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Critical Survey of Graphic Novels is available in print (with complimentary online access via Salem's Literature database) and as an ebook. Both the database and ebook deliver full color illustrations. The print edition is in black and white. The samples below are from the ebook version of the work.Click the links below to view articles from this Critical Survey: Heroes & Superheroes.  CerebusGrendelDaredevil, Born AgainJust a PilgrimHellboySandmanMageWatchmen
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Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Heroes & Superheroes Heroes & Superheroes 130 essays covering graphic novels and core comics series that form today's canon for academic coursework and library collections, with a focus on the hero/superhero genre. A "first" in the field, this brand new Critical Survey series focuses on all aspects of the graphic novels format, aiming to establish it as an important academic discipline and research topic in libraries. Designed for academic institutions, high schools, and public libraries, the series provides unique insight into the stories and themes expressed in historic and current landscape of the graphic novel medium. Scope & Coverage The first title in this series, Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Heroes and Superheroes, provides in-depth insight into over 130 of the most popular and studied graphic novels. Researchers will be familiar with the characters and stories included in this collection, but will gain a deeper new understanding, as the literary nature of the stories is presented in critical format by leading writers in the field of study. Essays look beyond the "pop culture" aspects of the medium to show the wide range of literary themes and artistic styles used to convey beliefs and conflicts, some harking back to ancient times. Today's graphic novels expose the vulnerabilities and character flaws that previous comic book stories glossed over or never covered. The impact of death becomes real, as popular heroes are killed, leaving an impact on the remaining characters. The theme of anti-hero runs deep as characters dismiss morality and engage in situations that are not heroic in nature. These concepts challenge the researcher to see beyond the panels of a comic book, showing readers how the themes of ancient literary tradition are still alive in the literature of graphic novels. A partial listing of works covered in Critical Survey: Heroes & Superheroes:
Organization & Format The essays are arranged alphabetically, and each essay is approximately 3 to 4 pages long. Essays begin with full ready reference top matter, including the title or subtitle, the primary author or authors, the illustrators who contributed to the work, the first serial and book publication, the publisher, the number of pages, the ISBN, the genre and/or subgenre and the work's intended age group. Subsequent subsections include: Publication history - overview of the work's origin and publication chronology. Plot - a synopsis of the main story and story arcs. Volumes - listings of individual volumes/collections, often comprising different story arcs and representing the accepted reading order of the work; publication year of each volume and issue; synopsis of each volume's main focus and a discussion of its significance in the collection. Characters - detailed descriptions of major character in the story, including "also known as" names (e.g., "Logan" for Wolverine), physical attributes, the role the character played (e.g., antagonist, protagonist), and their relationships with others. Artistic Style - analysis of the work's visual content as it relates to characterization, plot, and mood; analysis of the illustrators use of color, grays, and black and white illustrations; discussion of any changes in the style as the story progresses and the artists' distinctive use of bubbles, dialog, captions, panels, background, and more. Themes - identification of central themes in the work and how they relate to characterization and style. Impact - the work's influence on the creators' careers; the creation of new characters or new series; publishing houses; the history of graphic novels; and literature in general. Films - films based on this work, their differences and/or similarities with the novel, and their effectiveness. Television Series - TV series based on this work and their differences and/or similarities with the novel, and their effectiveness. More Good Reads - three to five other graphic novels that audiences for this one will want to read. Bibliography - secondary literature for more in-depth study of the work, its creator(s), or the genre. About the Author - all about the author or the entry, his or her degrees, experience, relevant publications, and other credentials for writing the entry. See also - listing of related entries of interest. Special Features Several helpful finding aids are located at the end of Volume two. Appendixes include a "More Graphic Novels" list, a list of major awards, a comprehensive glossary, a timeline of important events, relevant electronic resources, and a general bibliography. Four complete indexes round out the set: Works by Publication Date, Works by Publisher, Works by Author/Artist, and a Subject Index. 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