Graphic Novels @ Missoula Public Library

Don't be fooled by the sign: comics, as well as manga and graphic novels, are not just for teenagers. This genre of book is for all ages, from early readers up to the most advanced literary reader.

Now I know the question that has been nagging you since the first sentence of this post: What the heck is the difference between comics, manga, and graphic novels? Well, let me clear it up for you, with the help of Wikipedia.

"Comics (or, less commonly, sequential art) is a form of visual art consisting of images which are commonly combined with text, often in the form of speech balloons or image captions. Originally used to illustrate caricatures and to entertain through the use of amusing and trivial stories, it has by now evolved into a literary medium with many sub genres."

"A graphic novel is a type of comic book, usually with a lengthy and complex storyline similar to those of novels, and often aimed at mature audiences. The term also encompasses comic short story anthologies, and in some cases bound collections of previously published comic-book series."

"Manga is the Japanese word for comics and print cartoons. Outside of Japan, it refers specifically to comics originally published in Japan, or works derivative of the style.... It comes mainly in black and white, except for the covers and sometimes the first few pages."

The Missoula Public Library is proud to announce that it has one of the largest--if not the largest--graphic novel collection in the Pacific Northwest. You should check out our collection next time you're in the library. I can assure you, there is a little something for everyone.

**Look for the graphic novel display coming soon!**