How the conversation started, I cannot remember, but it began with Sophie Crumb. Val and I were regaling each other with our knowledge of the comic world. I told her about readily accessible online comics (diverse and free of charge) and she shared with me Sophie Crumb, the daughter of two well-known comic artists. Val told me about the Aline Kominsky-Crumb's Need More Love and Robert Crumb's Weirdo. Need More Love introduced me to the world of autobiographical graphic novels.
Theme and Readership
Autobiographical graphic novels (AGN) are comics that are complex and individualistic. These comics invite the reader to take a seat behind the eyes of the artist as s/he explains their personal history or the history of those around them to an unseen audience. AGNs for adults reveals and contemplates the black and white as well as the grey areas of human nature. The styles of adult AGNs range from shocking, illustrative, realistic to surreal, and yet, this does not describe the entire array of this genre. In the case of this theme in context to the presented readership, the adult section of autobiographical graphic novels is thus stated for the benefit of social institutions (libraries and schools) who cater to an audience who feel that particular themes (whether image or content) are not appropriate for children and youth.
Search and Sources
Searching for AGNs began with a Google search. To understand the depth and breadth of the topic I chose, I needed to find additional information that could give me some history on the topic. There were two Wikipedia links presented. The first Wikipedia entry on autobiographical graphic novels provided a list of comics with no other introduction, body or conclusion, however the second Wikipedia link gave some description of the comic genre. However, the Wikipedia entry was not titled autobiographical graphic novels, but autobiographical comics. This particular entry provided a detailed list from each decade since the 70s. It was from this list that I checked out the local regional library system for available AGNs. Google also connected me with an Amazon user's list of AGNs. The user had enjoyed such AGNs as Persepolis, Fun House and Blankets thus created a list of other AGNs available through Amazon. Naseen Hrab's bibliography list was also informative. Since I needed to find a list of graphic novels, I found The 101 Best Graphic Novels at the library, which provided an extensive list of various genres of graphic novels.
Criteria for Search
My initial search criteria was simple; what can I get my hands on? Since I was not purchasing any books but accessing books through the library system, my criteria was based on what I could access through these systems. I was unsure of the breath and depth of the genre and to be safe placed holds on available items. For the most part, I was able to obtain the titles I placed holds on, however, I did notice a trend in my search. Most titles that were accessible were based on three themes (or a variation of these themes): personal conflict and war.
Available Material
Typing in the search word "autobiographical graphic novels" did not work at times and I had to resort to looking at a list of graphic novels in general and googling the title to gather more information about the graphic novel. When the first search term ran out of results, I switched to "autobiographical comics." Although there were many titles out there (under both terms), I could only resort to titles that were in the library systems I borrowed from. Luckily, because I commute between a town and a city, I had access to three library systems. Access was not straightforward because, depending on the popularity of the title, I would either receive the book immediately or place a hold and wait. AGNs for adults have been available to the public since the 70s and creating and publishing in this particular genre is still quite current. Although they have been publishing for several decades, AGNs are now garnering attention in mainstream comics. AGNs for adults will never go out of style. Naseem Hrab sums up the genre when he
As long as there are writers for this genre, there will always be readers...
