Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: History, Theme, and Technique

With this second edition, editors Beaty (English, Univ. of Calgary; Fredric Wertham and the Critique of Mass Culture) and Weiner (director, Maynard P.L., MA; Faster Than a Speeding Bullet) provide a comprehensive survey. The book takes an American perspective, although parts about ancient and very recent history address origins and influence from overseas, and the editors manage to be inclusive within this scope. Topics are broad, from straightforward narrative history to discussions of the term graphic novel. Although the work is divided into the three sections of the title, history remains a constant throughout, and the development of techniques, production methods, themes, and genres is depicted as constantly changing, not static. Though most entries remain largely unmodified from the earlier edition, some take into consideration changes in technology, and some entries in the “themes” section mention newer works. A new chapter in the “history” section covers the 2010s, and the awards listings have been updated.