Graphic Novels & Comics: 3 Book Lists

Select Graphic Novels:
One of the courses being taught this Jan-term, by Professor Michael Bishop, is Art & Story: The Graphic Novel in Contemporary International Culture. If you're in the course, chances are that you are already aware of the graphic novels on Reserve (Maus, Watchmen, Persepolis, Daytripper) in the library for your class. However, you may not be aware of the other graphic novels in the library's collection. If you are not in the graphic novels jan-term course, chances are that you are even less familiar with the selection of graphic novels and related literature available at the library. Check out the following book lists of graphic novels, comics, and books and journals about graphic novels and comics, that can be found at Lewis Library:

1. Black Hole
Author:  Charles Burns
Call Number: PN 6727 .B87 B53 2005

2. The Life and Opinions of Tristan Shandy, Gentleman

Author: Martin Rowsen

Call Number: PN 6727 .R69 L54 1997

3. Epileptic
Author: David B.

Call Number: PN 6747 .B2213 E65 2005

4. Locas: The Maggie and Hopey Stories

Author: Jamie Hernandez
Call Number: PN 6728 .L62 H47 2004

5. The Contract with God Trilogy: Life on Dropsie Avenue
Author: Will Eisner
Call Number: PN 6727 .E4 A6 2006

6. V for Vendetta

Author: Alan Moore & David Lloyd

Call Number: PN 6737 .M66 V2 2005

Select Graphic Novels from the Juvenile Collection:

Although the graphic novels in this list are "intended" for children and youth, they contain a wider variety of illustration and story, with narratives ranging from historical fiction, to fantasy, to robots, and even satire. Many of the titles in this list have also won book awards or honors, including two National Book Award finalists, one winner of the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book, and the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

1. The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Author:  Brian Selznick

Call Number: JUV Selznick 

2. The Storm in the Barn

Author: Matt Phelan

Call Number: JUV 741.59 Phelan

3. Robot Dreams

Author: Sara Varon

Call Number: JUV Varon

4. Wire Mothers: Harry Harlow and the Science of Love

Author: Jim Ottaviani & Dylan Meconis

Call Number: JUV 920 Ottaviani

5. Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring

Author: Steffan Petrucha and Rick Parker

Call Number: JUV Petrucha

6. Hourdini: The Handcuff King

Author: Jason Lutes & Nick Bertozzi

Call Number: JUV 927.93 Houdini

7. To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel

Author: Siegel

Call Number: JUV 927.92 Siegel

8. American Born Chinese

Author: Gene Luen Yang

Call Number: JUV 741.59 Yang

9. Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty

Author: G. Neri & Randy Duburke

Call Number: JUV 920.93 Sandifer

10. Castaways: A Graphic Novel

Author: Rob Vollmar and Pablo G. Callejo

Call Number: JUV 741.59 Vollmar

Print Journals, Comic Collections, Books about Comics, & Books about Graphic Novels:
In addition to adult and juvenile graphic novels, the library also has several books on the history and making of graphic novels and comics, and even scholarly journals which sometimes discuss comics. Furthermore, the library has a handful of classic comics bound into compilation collections.


1.  "Where No X-Man Has Gone Before!" Mutant Superheroes and the Cultural Politics of Popular Fantasy in Postwar America (scholarly article)
Author: Rami Fawaz
American Literature, Volume 83, Number 2, June 2011

2. The Complete Peanuts (2 volumes)
Author: Charles M. Schulz
Call Number: PN 6727 .S3 P43 2004 Vol. 3 & Vol. 13

3. Blondie & Dagwood's America
Author: Dean Young & Rick Marschall
Call Number: PN 6728 .B55 Y6 1981











4. Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books
Author: Jean-Paul Gabilliet
Call Number: PN 6725 .G3313 2010








5. Graphic Subject: Critical Essays on Autobiography and Graphic Novels
Author: Michael A. Chaney
Call Number: PN 6710 .G7375 2011

6. The Gospel According to Peanuts 

Author: Robert L. Short

Call Number: PN 6728 .P4 S54 2000

7. Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

Author: Scott McCloud 

Call Number: PN 6710 .M335 1994

NOTE about locating books: 

• Most graphic novels and books about graphic novels are located on the bottom floor of the library. 
• Juvenile graphic novels are located on the top floor, with a special label reading "JUV-GRAPHIC." 
• Books on Reserve are located behind the front desk on the main floor, and may not leave the library. 
• Print Journals are located on the bottom floor of the library, but may not be checked out. 

*Post and book lists authored by Rachel Evans.