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. . . . <i>Encyclopedia of Comic Books and Graphic Novels</i> 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