graphic novels

graphic novels

Graphic Narratives: Exploring the Visual Stories at Our Library

Graphic Narratives: Exploring the Visual Stories at Our Library

, , books
The IU East Campus Library is expanding its graphic novel collection! Although graphic novels have been around for some time, the past decade has seen a surge in the variety of stories, ideas, and subjects conveyed through visual illustrations. Even classic novels are getting the graphic novel treatment, inspiring a new generation of readers, or reengaging long-time fans. Graphic novels are an exciting and engaging medium that combines visual art with narrative text, offering a unique reading experience that can enhance literacy. They present stories through a sequence of illustrations and text, often leading to a more immersive and interactive form of storytelling. This visual aspect can be particularly beneficial for reluctant readers or those struggling with traditional texts or … Continued
A Sense of Place and Time

A Sense of Place and Time

, , books, Matt Dilworth
Today, in the summer, the halls of IU East are unnaturally quiet without students.  Physical Plant has just waxed the floors, and the whole place seems to glow.  The grounds outside are lush and green and verdant.  In six months’ time, though, the weather will be cold and the trees bereft of leaves.  The floors will be scuffed and stained with salt.  In 1972, the land was a construction zone; with Whitewater Hall just beginning to be erected.  It was again in 2015, as work began on the Student Events and Activities Center.  A few centuries’ ago, Miami Indian explorers ranged north from the Whitewater River, seeking game here, surrounded only by trees and grass.  Things change, and a place … Continued
Exploring the History of Comics

Exploring the History of Comics

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
Comics, whether in strip or book form, have long been a mainstay of childhood and young adult reading.  The unique style of storytelling through sequential art, usually mixed with text, can facilitate any genre or idea, with an unlimited ‘special effects budget’ that would be unwieldy in any other medium.  Over the decades, they have grown from being a purely child-oriented type of entertainment to one that also caters to adults, with more literary stories including ‘graphic novels’.  Two days relevant to comics are coming up – Free Comic Book Day is on Saturday May 4th, where people can get a variety of free comic books.  Locally, Comic Relief Comics, located at 411 N. 8th Street, Unit#104 in the Depot … Continued
Nonfiction graphic novels

Nonfiction graphic novels

, , , books
Graphic novels can be thought of as illustrated long-form stories, and can cover a variety of subjects.  From tales of postmodern antiheroes to renditions of popular fiction, graphic novels have been both celebrated and derided.  The IU East Campus Library has developed a collection of graphic novels for both research and reading enjoyment, including a strong selection of nonfiction offerings.  Below is a description of just a few of the library’s titles. Gender Queer, Maia Kobabe More than a coming out story, Kobabe’s book is an odyssey of gender fluidity.  Kobabe, who uses e/er/eir pronouns, uses eir life as a focal point for understanding gender and sexuality from bodily, emotional and relational perspectives.  The loosely drawn, invitingly illustrated book is … Continued
Celebrating Comics and More: Will Eisner Week

Celebrating Comics and More: Will Eisner Week

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
Among those who have shaped the field of comics, few people were as influential as Will Eisner.  Born in 1917, he got his start drawing pulp illustrations and comic strips, and created Sheena, Queen of the Jungle and The Spirit at the beginning of the rise of the superhero/adventurer comics trend.  During World War II, he created cartoons for the military journal Army Motors, (most prominently featuring Joe Dope), in which he used his knack for writing for G.I.s in terms they could understand to transform the comics genre into a genuine teaching tool. After the war, Eisner continued to create more comics with lasting meaning and educational relevance, popularizing the idea of a ‘graphic novel’ for adults, with work … Continued