Promotional Information

The most comprehensive reference ever compiled about the rich and enduring genre of comic books and graphic novels, from their emergence in the 1930s to their late-century breakout into the mainstream.

Table of Contents

Alphabetical List of Entries Topical List of Entries Preface The Encyclopedia Selected General Resources About the Editor and the Contributors Index

About the Author

M. Keith Booker is the James E. and Ellen Wadley Roper Professor of English at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, where he also serves as director of the program in comparative literature and cultural studies.

Reviews

Arranged alphabetically, 340 signed entries were contributed by 78 scholars whose fields include political science, computer science, cultural anthropology, English, comparative literature, and library science, among other disciplines—a broad range reflecting the broad range of potential readers. The entries offer thorough information on individual comic book and graphic novel titles and characters, individual writers and artists, publishers, themes and genres (such as the Cold War, crime, fantasy, education, folklore, history, horror, mutants, Nazis, romance, satire, science fiction, westerns, youth culture, among others), and miscellaneous topics such as the comics code, comics scholarship, awards, and merchandising. Most entries include a bibliography, and a general resources bibliography is also included.
*Reference & Research Book News*

Recommended for most public and academic libraries.
*Library Journal*

This readable reference will be of interest to public and academic libraries and possibly some school collections.
*Booklist*

More than 80 contributors helped craft entries on creators, series, characters, genres, and themes, while a large editorial board of comics scholars made sure all the important elements were included.
*Kirkus Reviews*

. . . an extremely valuable resource filled with informative and engaging articles dealing with virtually every aspect of the art and industry of comic books and graphic novels. . . . Encyclopedia of Comic Books and Graphic Novels is a welcome addition to the growing body of comics scholarship. It is recommended for both academic and public libraries.
*Reference & User Services Quarterly*

This seminal encyclopedia provides a convenient resource both for those who have a professional interest in understanding comic books and graphic novels and for those who want to enrich their reading. . . . this is a highly readable and informative resource that will guide its readers into understanding and appreciating the comic book as an American popular culture literary genre. Recommended.
*Library Media Connection*