Reference Sources: Encyclopedias, Research Guide & Bibliography

Encyclopedia of Comic Books and Graphic Novels
Entries cover influential comic artists and writers such as Will Eisner, Alan Moore, and Grant Morrison, publishers, landmark titles, major genres and themes (such as feminism, satire, and others), specific characters, comic book imprints, and miscellaneous topics (the comics code, comics scholarship, and awards).

Available in print in the reference collection. The book is not available online.

The Graphic Novel: An Introduction
A critical and historical introduction to the graphic novel. Part Two, “Forms” (pages 103–187) is an excellent introduction to interpreting the basic formal aspects graphic novels: page and panel composition, drawing and style, word and image and other parts.

The Cambridge Companion to the Graphic Novel
Examines the evolution of comic books into graphic novels and the distinct development of this art form both in America and around the world. This book also explores the diverse subgenres often associated with it, such as journalism, fiction, historical fiction, autobiography, biography, science fiction and fantasy.

Also available in print in the stacks on the ground floor.

Understanding Comics: the Invisible Art
Praised throughout the cartoon industry by such luminaries as Art Spiegelman, Matt Groening, and Will Eisner, this innovative comic book provides a detailed look at the history, meaning, and art of comics and cartooning.

Available in print in the stacks collection on the ground floor of the library.

The Cambridge History the Graphic Novel
Provides the complete history of the graphic novel from its origins in the nineteenth century to its rise in the twentieth and twenty-first century. It includes original scholarly discussion on the current state of the graphic novel and analyzes how American, European, Middle Eastern, and Japanese renditions have shaped the field.

Also available in print in the stacks on the ground floor.

Oxford Bibliographies Online: Graphic Narratives in the U.S.
A bibliography is a list of the books of an author or publisher, or on a specific subject. Oxford Bibliographies, compiled by scholars and librarians, contain extensive lists of annotated titles on many topics within the study of American graphic novels.

Each subject contains an extensive introduction (which provides an overview of the topic) as well as a list of annotated titles of books, arranged by category. A section is devoted to books about Alison Bechdel.

Periodical Indexes

MLA International Bibliography
A subject index for books, articles and web sites published on literatures, literary theory and criticism folklore, modern languages, and linguistics. It is produced by the Modern Language Association (MLA), an organization dedicated to the study and teaching of language and literature.

Literature Resource Center
Includes biographical information of authors, overviews of literary works, literary criticism, and book reviews.

Literature Criticism Online
Contains both current and retrospective (or historical) critical interpretation of literary works, published in books, periodicals, and encyclopedias.

Additional Research Resources &
Online Video Collections

Other major research resources in the field of literary criticism, theory, and history are listed on the University of Toronto Libraries website.