This Book Contains Graphic Language: Comics as Literature
"Versaci avoids the contrarian stance-taking and overcompensatory justification of childhood dreck that plagues most writing about comics, bringing instead a big-hearted, clear-minded rigor to a subject which clearly obsesses him."-Dan Clowes, Academy-Award nominated screenwriter and author ofGhost World,David Boring, andIce Haven."This book initially seems to be an earnest attempt to justify comics (and graphic novels) as a sophisticated literary art form. But once Versaci (English, Palomar Community Coll., San Marcos, CA) frames the literary merit debate—which at book length would be unnecessary given the critical acceptance of graphic novels like Art Spiegelman'sMaus: A Survivor's Tale—he settles down to create a worthy text for anyone interested in the genre. Versaci gives readers a new arsenal of tools with which to examine comics and graphic novels, and he offers 100 black-and-white illustrations from artists including Harvey Pekar, Joe Sacco, Lynda Barry, and Sue Coe. Using a few carefully chosen topics, he explores his central argument in depth by providing historical context and analyzing layout, pacing, and style. He further offers a framework and vocabulary for discussion and convincingly argues that the medium can communicate as effectively, if not more effectively, than prose and film. While scholarly, this work is highly engaging, lively, and accessible. It will appeal to students, fans, and casual readers alike and deserves to be widely read. Recommended for all public, academic, and high school collections."—Library Journal