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Graphic Novels are Great Reads

By Jentry Campbell on July 5, 2021

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 tries to humanize illness and diversify the perspectives encountered in medicine (Graphic Medicine Manifesto). While graphic novels about medical experiences are not new, the field of graphic medicine has only gained traction recently. Since 2016, the Journal of the American Medical Association has highlighted some of the best works in Graphic Medicine of each year.  Just this year The Lancet published an article on the utility of graphic novels in anti-racism education and advocacy, citing their ability to leverage narrative in a way that academic works typically do not. Graphic Medicine helps create empathy because it allows us to relate to experiences we may not have had ourselves.

 

The cover of Graphic Medcine Manifesto.

The Graphic Medicine Manifesto, by MK Czerwiec, Ian Williams, Susan Merrill Squier, Michael J. Green, Kimberly R. Myers, and Scott T. Smith is a creators guide to the purpose and utility of graphic medicine. Available via online access with a CWL.

 

 

 

 

 

The cover of COVID Chronicles

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The cover of Kimiko Does Cancer

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 cover of The Parakeet

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.

 

 

 

The cover of At War With Yourself

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.

 

 

 

 

The cover of Pain Is Really Strange

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.

 

 

 

 

The cover of Spot12

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.

 

 

 

The cover of Neurocomic

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.

 

 

 

 

The cover of Graphic Reprodcution

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.

 

 

 

 

The cover of Comics for Choice

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.

 

 

 

 

The cover of Menopause

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.

 

 

 

 

The cover of First Year Out

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. Available via online access with a CWL.

 

 

 


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:

The cover of CrudeCrude, 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.

 

 

 

The cover of Fieldwork FailFieldwork 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 cover of DialoguesThe 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.

 

 

 

The cover of Thunder & Lightning

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 cover of The Quantum Matrix

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.

 

 

 

 

The color of Wonderful Life with the Elements

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.

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