How to choose nonfiction comics

Nonfiction comics explain real lives, events and ideas. Choose by subject and check how the book supports what it presents.

Memoir, history, science or a practical guide

This section covers biography and memoir, history, science and ideas, and practical guides such as drawing instruction. The description names the subject and the author's relation to it.

A memoir tells one person's experience; a biography or history draws on sources about others.

Look for sources and notes

Nonfiction comics that make factual claims often include notes, a bibliography or an afterword. These show how the author researched the book and where they simplified.

For science and history, a recent publication date can matter if the field has changed.

Drawing and comics-making books

Guides to drawing comics and manga range from beginner exercises to professional technique. Check the stated level and whether the book uses examples you can practise from.

Look at the materials a guide assumes, such as traditional pens or digital tools.

Before you choose an edition

• I know whether this is a memoir, biography, history, science book or guide.
• The book includes notes or sources if accuracy matters to me.
• For a practical guide, the level matches the reader.
• I have checked the publication date for fast-changing subjects.