Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
Contents
1 Terms ...................................................................................................... 2
2 Comic Resources .................................................................................... 5
2 Reader’s Advisory .................................................................................... 6
3 Websites .................................................................................................. 8
4 Apps ........................................................................................................ 9
5 Comicons: Expos and Libraries ............................................................. 11
6 Games ................................................................................................... 12
7 Extra Resources .................................................................................... 12
Page | 1
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
1 Terms
1.1 Graphic Novels
Graphic novels are lengthy comics published as a complete story instead of in issues.
Some graphic novels may be more than one volume but they generally have one story
line and complete it in over 30 pages.
1.2 Comics
Comics are short stories normally not longer than 30 pages. They are normally split into
issues that are released once a month or quarter.
1.3 Manga
Manga are Japanese comics and graphic novels. They are normally read top to bottom
and right to left.
1.4 Fandom
Fandom is the community that surrounds a TV show, movie, book, comic, graphic
novels, manga, etc. Fanfiction writers, artists, poets, and cosplayers are all members of
that fandom. Fandoms often consist of message boards, blogs, and communities. For
example, we all love Harry Potter but how many people are enrolled in Hogwarts?
Page | 2
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
1.5 Marvel
Marvel is one of two major comic companies. They are the creators
of characters like Spider-Man, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Daredevil,
Doctor Strange and Deadpool. They were founded in 1939 under the
name Timely Publications. Anyone ever heard of Stan Lee? Anyone
seen any of the recent Thor or Avengers movies? Anyone watch
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Daredevil, Jessica Jones or Luke Cage?
1.6 DC
DC is the other major comic company. They are the creators of characters like Batman,
Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern and Flash. They were founded
in 1934 as National Allied Publications. Anyone ever paid attention to Sheldon Cooper’s
shirts? Anyone seen the films Suicide Squad or Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice?
Anyone watch Gotham, Arrow, The Flash or Supergirl?
1.7 Outside of Marvel & DC
Graphic novels have become a rather popular way to teach things previously perceived
as boring or too complex. Lots of libraries have been writing blogs and teachers have
been publishing the items themselves and documenting the transition. Check out here,
here and here. The Indiana University Southeast Library actually has a library guide
here. Take a look at titles like:
The Thrilling Adventures of
Lovelace and Babbage by
Sydney Padua
Page | 3
Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip
Biography by Chester Brown
The Manga Guide to
Physics by Hideo Nitta
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
Moonshot: The Indigenous
Comics Collection Vol. 1
edited by Hope Nicholson
Secret Path by Gord Downie &
Jeff Lemire
March: Book One by
John Lewis, Andrew
Aydin and Nate Powell
Romeo and/or Juliet: A
Choosesable-Path
Adventure by Ryan North
Game of Thrones Vol. 1 by
George R.R. Martin
The Max Axiom Series
by Liam O’Donnell
7 Generations: A Plains
Cree Saga by David
Alexander Robertson
Trixster: Native American
Tales by Matt Dembicki
The Bad Doctor: The
Troubled Life and Times
of Dr. Iwan James by
Ian Williams
Page | 4
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
2 Comic Resources
1.1 TumbleBook Library
TumbleBooks Library is geared to pre-school and early
elementary ages predominately but it is a wonderful
resource. The Graphic Novels section is clearly identifiable in
the menu with the purple tab. Novels can be streamed and
read whenever you have an internet connection. The collection is constantly expanding
with favourites from authors like Robert Munsch and series like Nancy Drew. There are
unlimited copies and no loan periods!
1.2 hoopla
hoopla offers the most comprehensive catalogue of
digital comics and graphic novels for the Peace Library
System. Action mode allows you to zoom in and read
your issues panel by panel on your computer or mobile
devices. Hoopla is a great resource for elementary and
high school stidents as well as followers of popular
series like Batman, Suicide Squad, The Walking Dead and Saga. You can borrow up to
5 items per month and stream on your computer or download on your mobile devices.
Comics are borrowed for 3 weeks! Find them all under the “Comic” format.
Restriction: Requires library card to login to TRAC
1.3 OverDrive
OverDrive offers a couple different options. Notice the playlist under the heading
eBooks on the main menu and select “Comics & Graphic Novels.” From here you can
browse through over a dozen pages of digital
comics and graphic novels. You can also try
searching the advanced search for “Comic
and Graphic Books” as a subject or search
“MediaDo Reader” as the format. MediaDo
Reader allows you to stream a comic book and read it in the traditional way. You can
borrow up to 10 issues at a time for up to 3 weeks!
Restriction: Requires library card to login to TRAC
Page | 5
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
1.4 TRAC Catalogue
Try searching the catalogue for physical and digital copies of
comics and graphic novels from every library in the Peace,
Northern Lights, Marigold and Yellowhead Systems. You can
search the catalogue for keywords or by browse. For
keywords, search something like “graphic novels” to get
20,000+ results. For browse, search Graphic Novels to get
15,000+ results. You can search for more specific copies simply searching “Batman,”
“Superman,” or “suicide squad” as a keyword. Make sure to use the filter options to limit
the format and author of the materials.
Restriction: Requires library card to login to TRAC to borrow
2 Reader’s Advisory
2.1 NoveList
NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 are reader’s advisory sites that offer suggestions based
on several factors of a book. K-8 offers a kid-friendly version of the site to limit content
to the titles suitable for children up to grade 8. NoveList Plus has
to age restriction. You can find a recommendation by similar
titles, authors, series or factors categorized by NoveList. The site
offers to link you to TRAC where you can find the suggested
item. You can also find a list for Comics & Graphic Novels.
Restriction: Requires library card to login to TRAC
2.2 GoodReads
The most popular Reader’s Advisory website today, GoodReads gives you
suggestions based predominately on genre while offering a social media
platform for readers and authors. If you select “Browse,” choose “Lists” and
look at the “Browse by Tag” section, you can find a graphic novels and
comic tags. There are dozens of lists on a near endless number of topics
that relate to graphic
2.3 No Flying No Tights
This is a graphic novel and comics book review website. This is a
great place to get suggestions, opinions and ideas for reader’s
advisory, programs, collection building and marketing information
from.
Page | 6
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
2.4 Hennepin County Library
The American library has a large number of lists to browse for readers of all
ages (particularly strong in Manga content). Another great resources to pull
RA, programs, collection building and marketing information from.
2.5 Amazon
Despite being a big box monster, Amazon.ca is a great place to get recommendations
and see what is popular. Select the books field and run an empty
search. The results page has a panel on the left where you can select
“Comics & Graphic Novels” and browse through 100,000+ publications.
You can also see what upcoming publications there are and use it as
promo or marketing on your social media sites for your existing
collections.
2.6 Local & Larger Comic Stores
Talk to your local stores and clubs! There are so many gaming stores,
comic book stores, book stores and hobby stores popping up. Grande
Prairie alone has:






Hangar 19
Force Comics & Collectibles
Strange Ideas Comics
Wonderland Toy
Anime Hypercubed
Shepherd’s Fold
Edmonton also has some great stores:





Happy Harbour Comics
Wizard’s Comics & Collectibles
The Comic Shop
Comic King
Variant Edition
Montreal:


Librarie Crossover Comics
Millenium Comics
Page | 7
Toronto has some GREAT shops too:



Silver Snail
The Beguiling
Paradise Comics
Calgary:



Alpha Comics
Comic-Kazi
Redd Skull Comics
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
3 Websites
3.1 Comic Master
Create your own short graphic novel easily by using Comic Master. This is
great to introduce younger people into comics and graphic novels who don’t feel
comfortable drawing by hand.
3.2 Lambiek: Comiclopedia
Run by arguably the oldest comic book store in the world (in
Amsterdam), Lambiek Comiclopedia is essentially a Wikipedia page for
information about thousands of artists and their work. You can search
by name and country. Don’t forget to look at the history of comics from
the strips to the novels.
3.3 Grand Comics Database
Created and updated by volunteers, the Grand Comics Database allows
you information about comics and authors. Get basic bios or get timelines
as well. You can search by a variety of fields. You can also create an
account with them and build your own collections and such at my.comics.org
3.4 MakeBeliefsComix.com
Make your own comics in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese
or Latin! You can also access over 500 printable pages and have access to
writing tools. Don’t forget to download the mobile app for your Apple devices.
3.5 MarvelKids.com
In addition to games, videos, shows and other activities, Marvel Kids
allows you to read comics with today’s most popular characters. For
everything related to Marvel characters, check out Marvel Kids.
3.6 Pixton
One of the most popular tools, Pixton has a website as well as an app for Android
and Apple products. Whether you’re a business, educator or student, you can
create an account and save all of your creations.
3.7 ToonDoo
ToonDoo is a quick and easy site to make your own comic strips and keep an
eye on what other members are making. ToonDoo allows you to see what other
members have done and to see the most popular creations.
Page | 8
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
3.8 Strip Generator
Create your own strips and see what other members have created.
3.9 FanFiction
Fan Fiction is an outlet where people from all over the world post their own
literary creations. One of the communities is called “Anime/Manga” and another
is “Comics.” A lot of events are now holding Fan Fiction and painting contests.
There are also crossovers and forums to participate in.
3.10 Hogwarts is Here
Attend the famous school from the magical world created by J.K. Rowling
years ago. The site was built by a 17 year-old fan and is run by other fans.
Students can join a house, participate in classes, interact with other fans, and
more.
3.11 Winter is Coming
Stay up to date on everything to do with HBOs Game of Thrones film series.
Get spoilers, find forums, see GoT humour, get episode recaps and see
episode rankings.
3.12 Creaza
Complete assignments with comics on a variety of topics. Try assignments like
“Robots at work” or “What is peer pressure?” Play with shapes, images, add
audio and customize your strips with text. You can save, print and export your
creations.
3.13 Superhero Database
Find an A-Z list of superheroes and villains from different companies. Search
for individual characters, groups, by super power and discuss a variety of
topics on their forums.
3.14 Magic the Gathering
Find help for new players, products, events and more on the official website.
3.15 HeroClix
Find events, rules and game piece information on the official website.
3.16 Dungeons and Dragons
Find products, events, game rules, templates and forums on the official
website.
Page | 9
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
4 Apps
Anime Super Star Trivia Quiz Game Pro
Best Comics Superhero Quiz
Big Nate: Comix by U!
Card Maker for Pokemon
Comic & Meme Creator
Comic Caption Creator Lite
Comic Creator
Comic Puppets Lite
Comic Strip
Comic Strip Creator
ComicBook!
Comics Head – Create your own comic
Comics Maker
Complete Reference for DnD5
D&D 4 Android
D&D 5 Spellbook Cards
DC All Access
DC Comics
Fifth Edition Character Sheet
Graphic Novel
Halftone 2 – Comic Book Creator
HCT
Heroclix Clock
Heroclix Rules
How to Draw One Piece Manga Edition
Magic 2015
Make Beliefs Comix
Manga University 101: How to Draw Manga
Marvel Comics
Pixton
Pokemaker
Quiz Pic Pixel Comics!
Rage Maker
Strip Designer
Superhero Comic Book Maker by Duck
Duck Moose
Wiz Choice
Page | 10
Apple App
Apple App
Apple App
Android App
Android App
Apple App
Android App
Android App
Android App
Android App
Apple App
Apple App
Android App
Android App
Android App
Android App
Android App
Android App
Apple App
Android App
Android App
Apple App
Android App
Android App
Android App
Apple App
Android App
Apple App
Apple App
Apple App
Android App
Apple App
Android App
Apple App
Apple App
Apple App
Android App
Apple App
Apple App
FREE
FREE
$2.79
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
$3.99
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
$3.99
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
FREE
$3.99
FREE
Apple App
FREE
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
5 Comicons: Expos and Libraries
Watch what libraries and expos are happening. There are annually held comic-cons run
all over the world. Try looking into the comic-cons in Los Angeles, Calgary, Edmonton,
Saskatoon, Toronto, New York and San Diego. There is also a fan expo held in Toronto.
There are also libraries holding their own Libricons like Grande Prairie Public Library,
Erie Public Library, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Library, and Barrie Public Library.
Grimshaw Municipal Library also decided to hold a Star Wars theme day with prizes,
games and a show and tell in October 15th, 2016.
Page | 11
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant
Graphic Novels, Comics & Reader’s Advisory
November 2016
6 Games
6.1 Magic the Gathering
An article about its popularity is available here. Find out the basics of Magic, find
products, events and more here. Look to see if your area has anything like “Friday Night
Magic.”
6.2 HeroClix
Find tutorials, stores, rules and events here.
6.3 Dungeons and Dragons
Find everything you need to know to play Dungeons and Dragons on their official
website. Also take a look at all the fun you can have by watching clips of the episodes
where characters from the TV show Community embark on DnD adventures.
7 Extra Resources
1. Read the article “Teaching with Graphic Novels” by Brigid Alverson from the
School Library Journal, September 8th, 2014.
2. Read the article “How Graphic Novels Became the Hottest Section in the Library”
by Heidi MacDonald from Publishers Weekly, May 3rd, 2013.
3. Read the article “The Case for Graphic Novels in Education” by Jesse Karp from
the American Libraries Magazine, August 1st, 2011.
4. Read the article “How to Throw a Comic Con at Your Library” by Heidi
MacDonald from Publishers Weekly, April 18th, 2014.
5. Take a look at some non-superhero focused titles from the “Educational Graphic
Novels” list from GoodReads.
6. Listen to the recording of the webinar “Build Your Graphic Novel Collection” held
by EBSCO in August 2016. There are also handout links at the bottom of the
page.
7. Look at the information geared towards Librarians on the “Librarian & Educator
Tools” page from the CBLDF (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund) website.
8. Find recommendations for classroom comics from “The Graphic Classroom”
blog.
9. Get program information, event ideas and recommendations from the “Schools &
Libraries” page on the Happy Harbor Comics website.
10. Get even more eResources from the “Graphic Novels” page on the Free Library
of Philadelphia’s website.
Page | 12
Peace Library System
Samantha Mercer
Digital Trainer & IT Assistant