Fun With Graphic Non-Fiction

I'm sure you've all heard of non-fiction graphic books like The 911 Report and The Life of Pope John Paul II In Comics. If not, they are two examples of an interesting trend in comics; instead of a graphic novel, these are accounts of true events. The comic adaptation of The 911 Report made news all over the country because while the majority of people still view comics as "funny books" and something for little kids, the subject matter was obviously very serious and adult.

Not all of these books are strictly for adults; there is a line of Graphic Biographies about famous African-Americas that are aimed at educating school-aged children. Also, the Edu-Manga books on Beethoven (the composer, not the dog), and Anne Frank are great for future history buffs.

Another great series that has actually been around for a while are the Treasury of Victorian Murder books by Rick Geary. These are definitely not for children. The series details infamous murder cases such as Lizzie Borden, Jack The Ripper, and the assassination of President Garfeild. Geary's art and story-telling is distinctive, and the books are very interesting while still informative.

For a slightly more offbeat, yet still true story, Digital Manga Publishing's Project X series chronicles Japanese business innovations, such as the Cup o' Noodle soup and the introduction of the 7-Eleven convenience store. You may think that such stories wouldn't be interesting, but somehow the writers and artists at Digital Manga Publishing put together a solid, intriguing story.

If you know someone who's really doubtful about comics and who's skepticism has kept them away from great graphic novels, graphic non-fiction may be a great way to get them to see that comics can be serious and worthwhile books, just with art that furthers the story. So the next time your mother-in-law makes fun of you for reading Marvel's Civil War, hand her the 911 Report. She can't make fun of history!

-Elizabeth