World BookNight is an annual celebration of books and reading that seeks to encourage those who do not regularly read to develop a love of literature. Each year thousands of passionate volunteers distribute half a million free copies of specially-selected books to members of their communities and to those who might not have easy access to books.
For the first time in its history, World Book Night ’13 has selected a graphic novel for its shortlist. The Dark Judges, a classic Judge Dredd story from 2000 AD, sees one of the longest-running comic book heroes face-up to his nemesis Judge Death and a slew of dangerous characters from alternate realities.
Ben Smith, Publishing Manager for 2000 AD, says: ‘As one of the most iconic British brands in publishing we are absolutely delighted to be a part of World Book Night… the role that comics can play in encouraging reading and boosting literacy are well known. I have no doubt that people who receive one of the free copies will discover a new world of amazing stories, and hopefully will develop an appetite for great British comics’.
The inclusion of a graphic novel will almost certainly broaden World Book Night’s appeal. It also signals an increase in the perceived legitimacy of the medium. It seems to us that (outstanding) graphic novels are finally earning a place in the literary canon.
Here at BGS Library, we have been graphic novel converts for quite some time and have been steadily growing our collection of graphic fiction and non-fiction. Here are a few of our top picks, and remember if you don’t fancy any of these (or even better if you’ve already read them all!) you can always ask for a personalised recommendation:
Civil War
A schoolyard disaster involving a team of young, untrained superheroes leaves hundreds dead and a world asking: how could this happen? In response, the government drafts the Superhuman Registration Act, which compels every superpowered being in America to register their identity and report for official government training. Some are all in favour of the act as a necessary measure (led by Iron Man). Others see it as a gross breach of personal liberty (led by Captain America). All must choose their side in this ideological battle; this means Civil War.
Lenore
Named for Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem, Lenore, this book collects the first adventures of everyone’s favourite cute little dead girl. Darkly comic, Lenore’s mini-adventures are often chaotic, but her good intentions shine through to make this book oddly heart-warming and full of laugh-out-loud moments.
Bakuman
A manga series by Tsugumi Ohba (author of the phenominal Deathnote series), Bakuman follows talented artist Moritaka Mashiro and aspiring writer Akito Takagi, two ninth grade boys who want nothing more than to become manga artists. A perfect read if you’re interested in Manga and believable stories.
The Walking Dead
The book that sparked a TV phenomenon, the first volume of The Walking Dead introduces us to Rick Grimes, the sheriff who wakes up from a coma to find that the zombie apocalypse has begun. This is a rather unique take on the zombie genre in that it isn’t really a horror or a gore-fest. Rather, it zooms-in on a couple of main characters and shows how they manage to cope (or not) with their new situation.
Adventure Time
Based on the Cartoon Network series and written by Ryan North, join Jake the magical dog and Finn the human as they battle the evil Lich in the land of Ooo. Meet the massive cast of characters, from Princess Bubblegum and the Ice King to Marcelene the Vampire Queen and Lumpy Space Princess. It’s absolutely nuts, but completely genius.
1604
For reasons unknown (until the end!) a host of Marvel heroes and villains (including Spider-Man, the X-Men, Nick Fury, Doctor Doom and Magneto) emerge in Tudor England rather than the modern day. This historical epic comes courtesy of award-winning author Neil Gaiman, who writes these iconic characters to be instantly recognisable, but convincingly Tudor. A must for any fan of superheroes and/or historical fiction.
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World Book Night 2013; April 23rd