How to choose literary and historical graphic novels
Literary and historical graphic novels are usually complete books. Choose by subject, period and whether you want fiction or a documented history.
Know whether a story is invented or documented
Historical graphic novels set invented characters in a real period, while others recount real events. The description and any notes or bibliography at the back show how closely a book follows the record.
For a documented history, look for sources, dates and an afterword that explains what the author changed for the story.
Collections of short work by several creators
An anthology gathers short comics by different writers and artists, often around a theme. It is a good way to sample several creators at once.
The quality and tone can vary from story to story, so read the contents list for the names and subjects involved.
Check the translation and the edition
European bande dessinée is published in large hardcover albums, and English editions may collect several albums in one book. Check which original albums a collection contains.
For translated work, the translator is usually named in the description; a new translation may differ from an older one.
Before you choose an edition
- I know whether this is fiction set in history or a documented account.
- The description lists notes or sources if accuracy matters to me.
- For an anthology, I have checked the contributors and themes.
- For translated work, I know which edition and translator this is.
