Did you know that Woodward has a collection of graphic novels? Perhaps graphic novels, which are long form comics, are not the format most of us associate with a science library. The use of illustrated materials to convey complex topics is a way to challenge dominant methods of scholarship by diversifying the perspectives heard and, in this case, seen. Comics and graphic novels have long been associated with cultural change and a venue to amplify marginalized voices.
Many of our graphic novels are catalogued in our Great Reads Collection, but quite a few are are located elsewhere in Woodward, and several are available online. Throughout the UBC Library system you will find graphic novels that could give you a new perspective. Be sure to check them out!
Graphic Medicine
An emerging field of scientific communication is graphic medicine, which
The Graphic Medicine Manifesto, by
COVID Chronicles: A Comics Anthology, Kendra Boileau & Rich Johnson
A collection of short comics about the COVID-19 pandemic. This graphic novel will be available in our Great Reads collection.
Kimiko Does Cancer, by Kimiko Tobimatsu & Keet Geniza
A graphic memoir about the breast cancer journey of a young, queer, mixed-race woman. This graphic novel will be available in our Great Reads collection.
The Parakeet, by Espé
This graphic novel is based on the author’s own experience as the child of a biopolar & schizophrenic mother. This graphic novel will be available in our Great Reads collection.
At War With Yourself, by Samuel Williams
An illustrated conversation regarding one’s struggles with PTSD following his military service, how it impacts his life, and how he’s moving forward. This graphic novel is available in our Great Reads collection.
Pain is Really Strange, by Steve Haines
This graphic novel explores the science and strangeness behind pain. This graphic novel is available in our physical collection.
Spot 12: Five Months in the Neonatal ICU, by Jenny Jaeckel
A graphic memoir about the toll a five month stay in the NICU takes on a family. This graphic novel is available in our physical collection.
Neurocomic, by Matteo Farinella & Hana Ros
Farinella explains the physiology of the brain and explores our theoretical and experimental undersstanding in this graphic novel. This graphic novel is available in our physical collection.
Graphic Reproduction: A Comics Anthology, edited by Jenell M. Johnson
A comics anthology exploring the complex and varied reproductive experiences of twelve people. This graphic novel is available in our physical collection.
Comics for Choice: Illustrated Abortion Stories, History, and Politics, edited by Hazel Newlevant and Whit Taylor
An anthology exploring abortion and reproductive rights through the experiences of 60 artists. This graphic novel is available in our Great Reads collection.
Menopause: A Comic Treatment, edited by MK Czerwic
A collection of comics about the diverse experiences of menopause among ages, gender identities, ethnicities, and health conditions. This graphic novel is available in our Great Reads collection.
First Year Out: A Transition Story, by Sabrina Symington
An intimate look as a trans woman journeys to self-realization. From coming out to gender affirming surgery, this graphic novel explores the social, emotional, and medical aspects of transitioning.
Graphic Novels in Other Disciplines
Graphic Medicine isn’t the only discipline that can benefit from the graphic novel format of information communication. Here are a few great examples from multiple disciplines:
Crude, by Pablo Farjado
Crude is a memoir-graphic novel that explores Texaco’s involvement in the Amazon and Ecuador and the legal battles between the company, government, activists, and Indigenous people of the Amazon. Pablo Farjado is a lawyer and activist. This graphic novel will be available in our Great Reads collection.
Fieldwork Fail: The Messy Side of Science!, edited by Jim Jourdane.
Not all fieldwork goes smoothly–sometimes you glue yourself to an alligator. In this illustrated collection of scientific blunders, scientists share mishaps from the field and insights into what their work looks like. This graphic novel is available in our Great Reads collection.
The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe, by Clifford V. Johnson
A graphic novel investigating how scientists uncover the secrets of the universe with topics such as black holes, the multiverse, string theory, and food science. This graphic novel is in our Great Reads collection.
Thunder & Lightning: Weather Past, Present, Future, by Lauren Redniss
An illustrated exploration of weather and the relationship we have with it. A combination of personal stories, history, interviews that explore the power of weather in our lives. This graphic novel is available in our physical collection.
The Quantum Matrix: Henry Bar’s Perilous Struggle for Quantum Coherence, by G. Kurizki, Goren Gorden, Etzion Goel
In this graphic novel, Henry Bar, physicist and quantum superhero, guides us through the quantum world. Each illustrated adventure employs a concept of quantum physics. This graphic novel is available via online access with a CWL.
Wonderful Life With The Elements: The Periodic Table Personified, Bunpei Yorifuji
An illustrated guide to the discovery, common uses, and unique traits of the elements that make up everything around us. This graphic novel is available via online access with a CWL.