Maximizing The Impact of Comics in Your Library: Graphic Novels, Manga, and More

摘要

Jack Phoenix's Maximizing the Impact of Comics in Your Library: Graphic Novels, Manga, and More is an excellent resource for any librarian who wants to learn more about comics in libraries, particularly those who are interested in building larger and stronger comics collections. It is also a good resource for convincing librarians to begin seriously collecting comics, as the author argues that "Now is the time for any librarians who may be hold-outs to embrace comics. Maximizing the success of comics can maximize the success of libraries." (p.45) Phoenix is the assistant manager of the Willowick Public Library in Ohio and is deeply knowledgeable about libraries, the comics industry, and comics fandom, and interweaves his areas of expertise into a remarkably thorough whole, especially for such a relatively slim ten-chapter volume. In the book's first chapter, "What is a Comic?", Phoenix provides a concise yet expertly detailed introduction to comics. He begins by denning a number of terms, including clearly important ones like "comic," "comic book," "graphic novel," and "manga," and more niche terms like "trade paperback," "miniseries," "maxiseries," and "creative team." He then gives brief descriptions of various comics publishers, including major companies like Marvel and DC, as well as smaller players like Fantagraphics and Valiant Comics. Phoenix moves on to discuss the audience for comics, the major awards in the comics field, and concludes with a brief but excellent history of American comics, from the so-called Golden Age through to the Modern Age. A counterpart to the history of comics is provided in the second chapter, which describes the frequently troubled history of comics in libraries. These first two chapters provides a wonderful introduction to comics for librarians who know nothing about the format as well as a great refresher and resource for librarians who are experienced with comics.