Explore: comics and graphic novels

Tagged comics and graphic novels

Books to Inspire Empathy on World Refugee Day

Did you know that the United Nations has declared June 20 to be World Refugee Day ? There are all kinds of reasons that someone might leave their country – new job opportunities, warfare in their home country, maybe even…

Get Ready for ... Cartoonapalooza!

Now that the Free Library has wrapped up its annual Comic Con , we're proud to offer fans of serial art an additional chance to meet some of their favorite artists. The cartoonists of the National Cartoonists Society are gathering…

Get Your Game On with These Video Game-influenced Graphic Novels!

Games? We love games! Board games , video games , card games , fantasy role playing games —we'll probably play hundreds of different games throughout our lifetime, but what about the people behind the creation of these…

Celebrate These Bada$$ Moms on Mother's Day

It’s almost Mother’s Day and for those of us lucky to still have our moms in our lives, or to have had cool moms at all, you'll probably celebrate with maybe some brunch? A mani pedi? Maybe some skydiving? Who knows, but…

Explore a Mighty Manga-verse of Japanese Comics and Graphic Novels!

Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or are only now encountering them, manga —Japanese graphic novels—are an exciting comic form, incredibly varied in both artistic style and content. The Free Library has extensive…

The Return of the Free Library of Comic Con!

The 4th annual Free Library of Comic Con will descend upon the Parkway Central Library on May 12, 2018! There’s so much going on at this year’s event that we don’t even know if we can fit all of our excitement into one…

Where's My Girl Gang At? Female Friendship in Adventure Comics

The best part of comics and graphic novels for me has been the increasing celebration of female friendship and teamwork. There are a ton of comic dudes out there who disagree. They, however, are wrong. Who will have your back…

Children's Graphic Novel Recommendations

Comics are for everyone, even the youngest readers! Graphic novels account for some of the most popular children’s books today, are an excellent way to engage even the most reluctant reader, and are accessible to multiple levels…

African and African-American Superheroes That Aren’t the Black Panther

You love Black Panther, I love Black Panther—we all love Black Panther! Have you already read through all of our Black Panther comics and graphic novels available in our catalog? Feeling ready to branch out and explore what else…

Illustrating Life: Graphic Memoir Recommendations

Even if you’re not a big reader of comics and graphic novels, there’s a good chance that you’re familiar with graphic novel memoirs . After all, these are the books that have won Pulitzers and other big awards, often…

Graphic Novel Classics of Classic Literature

There have always been illustrated versions of classic novels—from comic book versions of Moby Dick , The Three Musketeers, or even Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Boycott . It’s like watching the movie version of a…

Friday Five: Giants Loom Large in Screen Adaptations

The YA graphic novel I Kill Giants smashes and crashes its way out of the confines of comics panels this weekend to loom large on the big screen... Firmly in the category of a gritty and somewhat scary kid's fantasy film (think…

Free Library of Comic Con Returns to Parkway Central Library on May 12, 2018!

For the fourth year in a row, the Free Library of Philadelphia will be hosting our very own Comic Con ! If you’re not sure what a “comic con” is, just imagine all of the amazing nerdy things you love balled up into one…

Black Panther: Hero. Legend. King.

So we’ve all seen the trailer for the Black Panther film right? And we are all super-duper excited for it, yes? I know I am beyond hype and come February 16th (ish), my popcorn and I will be front and center for this one! In the…

Dena's Favorite Books of 2017

Every year I read a lot of books. Out of the 339 that I read in 2017, I've picked out the 36 that I liked the best . 2017 was a hard year, and I found myself looking for books that were happy and not particularly difficult or…

17 Great Graphic Novels from 2017!

As another year comes to a close, I'm looking back on one of my favorite hobbies: reading comic books! Whether they were new stand-alone stories, retro reissue collections, original children's series, or new adventures with…

The Bright Knight Shines Immortal: Remembering Adam West

Superheroes aren't supposed to die—they're larger than life, courageous, fight for what's right, and are here to help and protect us. They are immortal. Adam West, whose double duty portrayal of millionaire playboy…

The Art of Comics: An Exhibition

The Free Library has recently mounted an exhibit of treasures from our collections that illustrate the history and artistry of the comic book medium. This display can still be seen on the 2 nd- floor landing and the Art Department…

Every Day Is Free Comic Book Day at Free Library!

One of my favorite days of the year is coming up this Saturday: Free Comic Book Day ! Way better than Christmas, definitely better than another candle on a birthday cake, but maybe not as good as Halloween. Nonetheless, any day devoted…

May the 4th Be With You!

So... I love Star Wars. I have always loved Star Wars. My friends and I would routinely marathon Star Wars , The Empire Strikes Back , and Return of the Jedi at sleepovers when we were younger. (Or maybe we still do - who among you…