by Joe Miller,
Director of Development
This week’s post comes from Emily Tatner, assistant librarian for Pocahontas County Library and Visitor Centers’ Hillsboro branch. Emily invites us to explore the vast and exciting world of graphic novels—which, she reminds us, have outgrown their origins in comic shops.
Amid the quiet stacks of the Hillsboro Library lurks a woman with a secret identity. By day, she assists librarian Margaret Worth. By night, she crafts and edits graphic novels.
Yes, I’m the woman with the secret identity. My nighttime role isn’t just about blending careers (or paying bills). It’s a mission. A mission to dismantle stereotypes. A mission to elevate the craftsmanship of graphic storytelling.
A graphic novel is a visual wonder— a beautiful dance between writer and artist, weaving stories that are as visually stunning as they are emotionally captivating.
Graphic novels mix elements of standard fiction (plot twists and foreshadowing) with elements of art (character designs and color schemes). Creating these masterpieces of multimedia fiction is no child’s play.
Graphic novels aren’t just long comic books. They are full of nuances that require a keen eye for detail. A face filled with intense emotion that words alone cannot capture, angles in illustrations that must be seen to be appreciated, and color shifts that convey the mood or events within the story.
Indeed, graphic novels tackle issues that are every bit as complex as you’d find in traditional novels. Some are adaptations of well-known novels like The Handmaid’s Tale. Others are independently created, complex graphic novels like The Moth Keeper – one of my favorites –which tells a story about the power of community and of finding oneself.
But at the same time, graphic novels are a secret weapon that can help nudge reluctant readers into the world of fiction. Mexikid – named one of the best books of the year by The New York Times Book Review – may share a presentation style with the comics kids enjoy. But it’s also an avenue for middle-grade readers to share the cross-country adventures of a Mexican-American boy and his family.
It’s an accessible, friendly path into the literary universe.
The best part? Graphic novels have broken free from their slightly nerdy origins and are now the cool kids on the block, loved by readers of all ages and backgrounds. These days you can easily find titles from National Book Award winner Ta-Nehisi Coates or experience childhood in revolutionary Iran in Marjane Satrapi’s majestic memoir, Persepolis.
Graphic novels are not just pretty pictures; they’re brain food, sharpening critical thinking skills and inviting readers to decode hidden meanings, interpret stories, and unravel literary secrets like pros.
Unleash your imagination and embark on a journey through the dynamic world of graphic novels – whether you’re a seasoned fan or curious newcomer, our library offers a wealth of stories waiting to be discovered.
Drop by today to find your next adventure and expand your reading horizons with us.