Graphic novels are, simply defined, book-length comics. Sometimes they tell a single, continous narrative from first page to last; sometimes they are collections of shorter stories or individual comic strips. Comics are sequential visual art, emphasizing everything from drama, adventure, character development, striking visuals, politics, or romance over laugh-out-loud comedy.
Comics & Graphic Novels comics and graphic novels Graphic Novels comics and graphic novels
Learn the techniques behind the creation of anime.
Get your hands on the newest manga we have.
Classic teen manga favorites.
Biff! Bam! Pow!
Graphic novels that reflect real life.
Suitable for middle schoolers.
For the younger set.
A first experience with comic books.
Graphic novels that appeal to girls and women.
From graphic novels into movies.
Not sure where to start? How about with the most popular graphic novels?
Find out more about the popular world of graphic novels.
Graphic novels which have won notable awards.
The Teen Center is home to numerous arts and craft supplies which teens can use on Monday afternoons to create take… more details
Mon, April 23, 2018
3:30 PM
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Hang out in the Teen Center and geek out about all your favorite fandoms! more details
Wed, April 25, 2018
3:30 PM
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Teen Center is home to numerous arts and craft supplies which teens can use on Monday afternoons to create take… more details
Mon, April 30, 2018
3:30 PM
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Adult Young Adult School Age Senior
The world of graphic novels is all-encompassing. Comic strips, wordless novels, and comic books have all… more details
Tue, May 1, 2018
8:45 AM
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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…
Children's books recommendations comics and graphic novels Comic ConYou 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…
recommendations YA Literature comics and graphic novels Comic ConEven 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…
recommendations comics and graphic novels Comic ConThere 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…
recommendations comics and graphic novels adaptationsThe 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…
film YA Literature comics and graphic novels adaptationsFor 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…
art Parkway Central comics and graphic novels Comic ConSo 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…
recommendations film comics and graphic novels Black History Month adaptationsEvery 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…
LGBTQ romance Teens recommendations comics and graphic novels sci fi fiction nonfictionAs 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…
recommendations comics and graphic novelsSuperheroes 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…
television film comics and graphic novels remembrances pop cultureThe 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…
Exhibitions comics and graphic novels special collectionsOne 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…
recommendations comics and graphic novels Comic ConSo... 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…
recommendations comics and graphic novels sci fiMay is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month , so I thought I would share some exciting developments in the world of Asian American superheroes! There's a brand new Hulk in town, and his name is Amadeus Cho ! Get…
recommendations YA Literature comics and graphic novelsWow, what a success that was! 2017 marked our third annual Free Library of Comic Con and it was our biggest yet! To all of you who came—Thank You! You are the reason we’re able to do great programs like Free Library of Comic…
Events at the Library children's programs Teens comics and graphic novels Comic ConAt long last, the time has come... If you’ve been longing to get out of the house after a long snow and ice bound end to winter, Free Library of Comic Con ( FLoCC ) is a great chance to go out and get your geek on! This year's…
art Events at the Library Teens comics and graphic novelsLooking for something heartfelt and inspiring to read while supporting a worthy cause this Valentine's Day? Check out Love is Love , a 162-page graphic novel from IDW Publishing and DC Comics , honoring the victims, supporting the…
LGBTQ comics and graphic novels digital media social justiceI have weird memories of being a teenage girl—I’m pretty sure that I thought I was right about everything when maybe I was in actuality not so swift on the uptake. It’s refreshing for me now to read graphic novels in…
Teens recommendations YA Literature comics and graphic novels2016 was another great year for readers and fans of comic books, specifically graphic novels. While not necessarily a "Top 10" (especially since I selected sixteen!) and definitely not in any order of importance, the following…
comics and graphic novels