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Graphic Novels/Comics


Feature Writer: Luke Arnott
Luke Arnott, Luke Arnott

Comics aren't just for kids anymore – many a grown-up has amassed collections of comic strips, DC and Marvel superhero classics, or underground comix. Some attend conventions only to spend hours in bookstores and on eBay bidding on a missing back issue.

From fresh takes on iconic superheroes like Batman and Spider-Man, to perspective on international genres like Bandes Dessinées and Manga, you'll find it here. If you're looking for something a little different, you can peruse alternative graphic novel reviews, and read up on ideas about comic book theory and comics' place in our culture.

And don't forget to check out the Comics Blog for discussions about upcoming articles and other comics news.

feature articles
Luke Arnott

The Conclusion of Akira, Volumes 5 & 6

In: Manga

Akira's final volumes depict the decisive battles for Neo-Tokyo, while the Akira series anticipated the rise of graphic novels, Cyberpunk, and Japanese-American design. more...

The Star Wars Dark Empire Trilogy

In: Classic Comics

Dark Empire, and its sequel series, filled the demand for new Star Wars stories in the early 1990s. The comic-book trilogy continued the stories of the classic films. more...

Peter Bagge's Hate – Buddy Does Jersey

In: Graphic Novelists

Hate #16-30 focused on Bradley family matters back in New Jersey. Peter Bagge shifted to full-color artwork as Buddy Bradley finally settled down and grew up. more...

A Guide to Akira, Volumes 3 & 4

In: Manga

The middle third of Akira straddles the destruction of Neo-Tokyo. Otomo's manga characters deviate from their Akira anime counterparts, though some motifs remain. more...

Profile – The International Journal of Comic Art

In: Comic Book Conventions

For over ten years, IJOCA has been publishing scholarly and journalistic work on comics. It's worth a look for students of animation, comics, and editorial cartoons. more...

Peter Bagge's Hate – Buddy Does Seattle

In: Graphic Novelists

Hate chronicled Buddy Bradley's Seattle days in its first fifteen issues. Peter Bagge's skills at caricature and telling tales of dysfunction reached a new peak. more...

An Introduction to Akira, Volumes 1 & 2

In: Manga

Katsuhiro Otomo's love of manga and cinema came together in Akira. The early volumes of his 1980s manga are closely linked with his later anime adaptation. more...

Peter Bagge – The Neat Stuff Years

In: Graphic Novel/Comic Illustrators

Cartoonist Peter Bagge's magazine Neat Stuff captured late-1980s pop culture. Its issues were filled with graphic experimentation, satire, and enduring characters. more...

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