This Book Contains Graphic Language looks at different literary forms and genres—including journalism, fiction, memoirs, and film—in relation to their comic book counterparts. By demonstrating the ways in which comic books (and graphic novels) both reflect upon, and expand the boundaries of literature, Rocco Versaci demonstrates that comics have earned the right to be taken just as seriously as any other literary form.
As comics and graphic novels become more popular than ever, literary critics are finding that they now have a new subject to examine. But while many advocates of the medium maintain that comics are a true art form, there have been no detailed comparisons among comics and "legitimate" types of literature. Filling this void, This Book Contains Graphic Language examines different literary forms in relation to their comic book counterparts. These literatures include prose memoir, Holocaust memoir, journalism, film, and-for lack of a better term-the "classics." Each richly-illustrated chapter outlines the key issues of one of these forms and then explores how comic books have been able to reflect and expand upon those issues in unique ways.

The comics discussed include Eightball by Daniel Clowes, Love and Rockets by Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, American Splendor by Harvey Pekar, Maus by Art Spiegelman, Palestine by Joe Sacco, Frontline Combat and Two-Fisted Tales from EC Comics, Sandman by Neil Gaiman and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore. By examining the ways in which these and other comic books and graphic novels expand the boundaries of literature, English professor Rocco Versaci demonstrates that the medium of comics has earned the right to be regarded as an important artistic and literary form.

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Review

"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 of Ghost World, David Boring, and Ice 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's Maus: 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

"What makes the book even more appealing is that Versaci never falls into the trap of overcompensating by writing about comics in dense, theory-driven, jargon-filled academic prose. On the contrary, his arguments are crystal clear, well formed, and substantiated with reference to 100 black-and-white panels and strips from well known comic artists like Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, Joe Sacco, Lynda Barry, and Sue Coe. Even the footnotes are interesting and relevant." — Mikita Brottman, Pop Matters, March 21, 2008, http://www.popmatters.com/pm/features/article/5560... (Mikita Brottman)

"Versaci believes this awakened interest [in graphic novels] among the literati is in order...[and} he accomplishes this in exemplary fashion...the result is a well-researched, easy-to-read volume that will appeal to fans, students, and researchers...Summing Up: Recommended. Lower division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers." — J. A. Lent, CHOICE, July 2008, Vol. 45 No.11 (J. A. Lent)

"A well-researched, easy-to-read volume that will appeal to fans, students, and researchers."
-Choice, 2008

"Versaci's text is effective."
-Aaron Kashtan, American Studies, Vol. 48

"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 of Ghost World, David Boring, and Ice Haven.

"What makes the book even more appealing is that Versaci never falls into the trap of overcompensating by writing about comics in dense, theory-driven, jargon-filled academic prose. On the contrary, his arguments are crystal clear, well formed, and substantiated with reference to 100 black-and-white panels and strips from well known comic artists like Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, Joe Sacco, Lynda Barry, and Sue Coe. Even the footnotes are interesting and relevant." – Mikita Brottman, Pop Matters, March 21, 2008, http://www.popmatters.com/pm/features/article/5560... (,)

“Versaci believes this awakened interest [in graphic novels] among the literati is in order…[and} he accomplishes this in exemplary fashion…the result is a well-researched, easy-to-read volume that will appeal to fans, students, and researchers…Summing Up: Recommended. Lower division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers.” — J. A. Lent, CHOICE, July 2008, Vol. 45 No.11 (,)

About the Author

Rocco Versaci, PhD is Professor of English at Paolmar Community College in San Marcos, California, where he developed what is now one of the department's most popular classes: English 290 - Comic Books as Literature.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Continuum (December 15, 2007)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0826428770
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0826428776
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.02 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches