Skip to content
Shop Christmas Books @ Books2Door πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ»
Shop Christmas Books @ Books2DoorπŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ»

Graphic Novels History & Criticism

  • Original price Β£18.99 - Original price Β£18.99
    Original price Β£18.99
    Β£18.99
    Β£18.99 - Β£18.99
    Current price Β£18.99

    Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

    in stock

    The bestselling international classic on storytelling and visual communication "You must read this book." - Neil Gaiman Praised throughout the ca...

    View full details
    Original price Β£18.99 - Original price Β£18.99
    Original price Β£18.99
    Β£18.99
    Β£18.99 - Β£18.99
    Current price Β£18.99

Graphic Novels History and Criticism is a subgenre of graphic literature which has books that give an overview of the history and cultural impact of graphic novels and comic books on the social fabric including analysis and criticism of the artistic and graphic narrative .

Since graphic novels rose to prominence some 50 odd years ago, it has become one of the fastest growing literary/artistic genres globally. The evolution of comic books into graphic novels and the consequent development of this art form into several diverse subgenres like anime comics, superhero comics, memoirs, nonfiction graphic novels amongst others has made it an immensely popular literary genre worldwide.

Comic books and graphic novels were once considered a form of lowbrow popular culture. Today however they are a global phenomenon and have Hollywood blockbusters adapted from them and have some of the best selling video games made after them. Literary scholars have immersed themselves in this creative discourse, the practices of this art and its subculture to provide a social history of the genre in the past few decades. Several writers have used a theoretical framework to examine the construction of comic book culture and its cult followingβ€”analysing a wide range of texts, subtexts, artistic representation, and narrative strategies from both theoretical and historical perspectives.Β 

As a result, us comic book nerds now have books on the history and criticism of graphic novels that examine the theories and histories of the graphic narrative as one of the most versatile forms of storytelling in contemporary literature. Here are a select few books that have managed to give us analytical and theoretical insights into this very intriguing genre.

Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics is one such seminal examination of comic art: its rich history, surprising technical components, and major cultural significance. Highly reviewed by industry luminaries like Neil Gaiman and Art Spiegelman; Understanding Comics is an international bestseller classic on storytelling and visual communication. A book, we think you should definitely read if you are an avid reader and follower of the graphic novels and comic books genre.

The Comics of Charles Schulz : The Good Grief of Modern Life by Jared Gardner is another theoretical examination and collection of essays on the work of the creator of the immensely popular Peanuts comic strip. Despite Schulz's celebrity, few scholarly books on his work and career have been published. This collection serves as a foundation for future study not only of Charles Schulz (1922-2000) but, more broadly, of the understudied medium of newspaper comics. Schulz's Peanuts ran for a half century, during which time he drew the strip and its characters to express keen observations on postwar American life and culture. As Peanuts' popularity grew, Schulz had opportunities to shape the iconography, style, and philosophy of modern life in ways he never could have imagined when he began the strip in 1950. Edited by leading scholars Jared Gardner and Ian Gordon, this volume ranges over a spectrum of Schulz's accomplishments and influence, touching on everything from cartoon aesthetics to the marketing of global fast food. Philosophy, ethics, and cultural history all come into play. As the broad interdisciplinary range of this volume makes clear, Peanuts offers countless possibilities for study and analysis. From many perspectives-including childhood studies, ethnic studies, health and exercise studies, as well as sociology. The Comics of Charles Schulz offers the most comprehensive and diverse study of the most influential cartoonist during the second half of the twentieth century.Β 

Gender and the Superhero Narrative by Michael Goodrum

The contributions assembled in this book question the applicability of the gender narrative within the subgenre that is superhero comics. The explosive popularity of San Diego's Comic-Con, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One, and Netflix's Jessica Jones and Luke Cage all signal the tidal change in superhero narratives and mainstreaming of what were once considered niche interests. Yet just as these areas have become more openly inclusive to an audience beyond heterosexual white men, there has also been an intense backlash, most famously in 2015's Gamergate controversy, when the tension between feminist bloggers, misogynistic gamers, and internet journalists came forth.Β 

The place for gender in superhero narratives now represents a sort of battleground, with important changes in the industry at stake. These seismic shifts-both in the creation of superhero media and in their critical and reader reception-need reassessment not only of the role of women in comics, but also of how society conceives masculinity. Gender and the Superhero Narrative launches ten essays that explore the point where social justice meets the Justice League. Ranging from comics such as Ms. Marvel, Batwoman: Elegy, and Bitch Planet to video games, Netflix, and cosplay, this volume builds a platform for important voices in comics research, engaging with controversy and community to provide deeper insight and thus inspire change.

As seen in

Get your order now

Ordering from Books2Door couldn't be simpler

Order

We make it easy to find your favourite books

Delivery

We pack your order safely and send it straight to your door

Benefits

With book points, wishlist, refer a friend and more, you'll want to shop again

Support

Any problems? Contact our support team

Big box sets at tiny prices

Big box sets at tiny prices

Welcome to Books2Door, the one-stop shop for all your children's book needs! We specialise in selling cheap children’s box sets and series at bargain prices.

At Books2Door, we believe that reading is a fundamental skill that every child should have to help improve their vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking skills.

We understand that buying kids books can be expensive. That's why we offer a wide range of box sets and series at affordable prices, making it easier for parents, teachers, and libraries to access quality books for children.

Our team is made up of book lovers who are dedicated to sourcing and providing the best books for kids. We work closely with publishers and authors to ensure that we offer the best books on the market for your child.

Don't just take our word for it...

Check out our amazing reviews onΒ Trustpilot,Β Google Customer Reviews,Β Reviews.ioΒ and more!

FAQs

Are your books brand new? How are they such good value?

All our books are brand new and delivered to us straight from the publisher. Our special sales editions are bought in bulk at a great discount - which we pass on to you!

Are the books different from what I've seen in the high street?

Special sales editions are made with more affordable materials, allowing the publisher to keep the cost price down, and we can sell it for less than the standard editions

What if I have a problem with my order?

Our support team is available during regular business hours to support you with any questions you may have. Call or 0116 210 4294 orΒ email us.

Fantastic Savings

Up to 80% off RRP

Unlimited Delivery

From Β£9.95 a year with PLUS+

1 Million Customers

Bargain prices since 2004

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service

0116 210 4294 orΒ email us