Encyclopedia of Comic Books and Graphic Novels

In an exploding area like comics, a new encyclopedia every few years only scratches the surface of names, titles, and trends. These two volumes follow Ron Goulart's single-volume but broader Comic Book Encyclopedia (HarperEntertainment, 2004). Booker (English, Univ. of Arkansas; "May Contain Graphic Material": Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and Film) includes meaty entries for nearly 200 titles/characters and over 100 creators. Another 50 entries address themes/genres, publishers, and other meta-topics like awards and the Comics Code. Contributors encompass well-credentialed academics and writers (including librarian David Serchay) and a few creators. The emphasis is on Anglophone comics, especially work originating in the United States—indeed, only five entries relate to manga. (Note also that newspaper strips are largely excluded.) Many theme/genre entries are outstanding, such as "Feminism, Race and Ethnicity" and "Religion and Comics." Perhaps it's too easy to criticize omissions: there are no entries on web comics or comics for kids, and any reader is bound to miss favorite creators and titles. BOTTOM LINE This resource evokes mostly the big-selling and award-winning (and preponderantly male) side of comics for ages 15 and up, largely superhero and "mega-indie" titles like Love and Rockets, Maus, Fun Home, and Cerebus, with some coverage of specialized trendsetters and earlier classics. Recommended for most public and academic libraries.—Martha Cornog, Philadelphia