Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about how the Graphic Novel Archive cataloges and categorizes graphic novels? Or perhaps you're wondering what the GNA considers a graphic novel to actually be. You'll find the answers here.

General Graphic Novel Questions

Content Scope Categories

Relationship Categories

Binding/Size Format Categories

Color Categories

Identification

GENERAL GRAPHIC NOVEL QUESTIONS

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What is a graphic novel?

The answer to this question will vary, depending on whom you ask.

Ask an older comic book enthusiast, and you'll probably be told a graphic novel is a single, original story, aiming at a more mature audience than traditional comics, never having been printed as a comic book.

Ask a younger comic book enthusiast, and you may be shown a copy of Frank Miller's 300 hardcover, which was originally printed as individual comic book issues.

Ask a manga reader, and you'll be referred to any number of digest sized, black and white paperback books, almost always eastern in origin, with the story serialized across multiple volumes.

Ask a comic strip fan, and you'll be shown books reprinting a number of comic strips, originally syndicated in newspapers.

Ask a librarian, and you'll likely be directed to sections of the library featuring all these types of books, and then some.  Furthermore, each section may be aimed at different age groups - kids, teens, and adults.

Who's right?  In many regards, they all are.  The phrase "graphic novel" has evolved over the years, and depending on what comics you've read in your lifetime, what era of comics you grew up in, and what graphic novel marketing you've been exposed to, your interpretation of what a graphic novel actually is will likely vary from someone else's view.

I spent a great deal of time defining "graphic novel" after deciding to develop the Graphic Novel Archive website.  And having visited a number of comic related web sites (both fan, professional and educational), having talked with a number of comic book readers (diehard and casual), and having watched the comic industry's marketing gurus expand the graphic novel moniker over the past couple of decades, I eventually arrived at the following.

A graphic novel is not defined by the matter of comic content, or genre, or the supposed maturity level of the story presented.  Nor is it a judgment of the storyline's length or complexity.

A graphic novel is simply a description of the format in which comics material is presented.  Which is to say – it’s a book available in a paperback (softcover) or hardcover binding.

In other words, a graphic novel is a comic book that looks like, feels like, tastes like, a book.

(Of course, this reveals another point: the complexity of defining "graphic novel" does not fall within what is or is not a graphic novel, but what is or is not a comic.  And for this, I defer to the expertise of Scott McCloud.)

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What is the difference between a graphic novel "edition", a "printing", and a "state"?

Unless you're well versed in the complexities of book publishing, these terms can often be confusing, made worse by publishers and distributors often confusing the terms themselves within their graphic novel solicitations and sales literature.

Short answer. A graphic novel is a book. A book can have multiple editions, which are versions of the book with major differences between them. An edition can have multiple printings, which are print runs of an edition without major changes between them (otherwise, you'd have a new edition). A state occurs when a print run is temporarily interrupted to make a correction or revision to the edition being printed.

So a book can have multiple editions, an edition can have multiple printings, and a printing can have multiple states.

Here's the long answer, including what constitutes major and minor changes:

An edition of a graphic novel consists of all copies of the graphic novel printed at any time without any major changes to the graphic novel's content, publisher or binding/size/color format. A graphic novel's edition is sometimes denoted by the publisher in the book's indicia (fine print). An edition can have multiple print runs (aka printings). Editions are often assigned unique identifiers by publishers to easily identify them against other editions (ISBN, ISBN13, EAN, etc).

"Major changes" do not include cover and dressing changes, paper changes, price changes, or other minor appearance revisions.

A printing of a graphic novel consists of all copies of the graphic novel edition printed at one time. A graphic novel's printing is sometimes denoted by the publisher in the book's indicia (fine print). A printing can have multiple states.

Printing changes may include cover and dressing changes, paper changes, price changes, and other minor appearance revisions.

A printing state of a graphic novel consists of all copies of a graphic novel printing with an intentional difference from other copies within the same printing. A graphic novel's state (and the existance of different states) is usually found only when comparing various books within the same printing, and are not denoted by the publisher.

State changes may include minor corrections or revisions throughout the graphic novel.

The Graphic Novel Archive attempts to provide a profile for known graphic novel editions. Each profile attempts to include details regarding all known printings of the edition, as well as any known printing states.

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What is the "direct market"?

The direct market is a comic book distribution and retail system developed in the 1980s, designed to allow retailers to purchase comic books "directly" from publishers for a significant discount, but on a non-returnable basis. Today, this direct means of purchasing typically involves comic book speciality store retailers, a single distributor, and a large group of comic book publishers.

The direct market is such an important means of selling product, many publishers produce direct market variants of their graphic novels (typically consisting of different cover artwork or book dressing), and in some cases produce certain graphic novels exclusively for the direct market.

You'll find many graphic novels flagged as a "Direct Market variant" or "Direct Market exclusive" throughout the Graphic Novel Archive.

While direct market variants and exclusives are widely available via comic book speciality stores, they are also sometimes available via mainstream bookstores.

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CONTENT SCOPE CATEGORIES

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Although the definition of "graphic novel" is far from complicated, there are many kinds of graphic novels in regards to their content. I've categorized this content in order to provide an extra level of usability to the GNA.  I refer to these categories as "content scope categories".

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What is an "original graphic novel"?

An original graphic novel, or OGN, is a book containing original comic material, instead of reprinting material having already been published in some other format. An OGN can consist of a single storyline, or multiple storylines, told start to finish within the confines of the graphic novel.

While a graphic novel containing original comic strips could, by definition, be considered an OGN, these types of books are catagorized under "comic strip collections" instead.

While a graphic novel containing multiple, original, self-contained storylines does not necessarily meet the criteria of "novel" within "graphic novel", and would be best considered an anthology instead, such books are included under this category.

Eastern OGNs are relatively rare.  Western OGNs are often marketed as "original graphic novels" or single issue, "prestige format" comic books.

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What is a "serialized graphic novel"?

A serialized graphic novel, or SGN, is similar to an OGN. Like an OGN, a SGN contains original comic material. A SGN can contain a single storyline or multiple storylines.

Unlike an OGN, a SGN contains part of an overall storyline, with remaining parts printed in other graphic novels. This entire series of graphic novels, forming the complete storyline, is typically numerically sequenced (Volume 1, Volume 2, etc) so as to indicate where a particular SGN falls within the series.

Most manga falls within the SGN scope.  Western SGNs are often marketed as multi-issue "prestige format" comic books.

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What is a "collected edition"?

A collected edition is a graphic novel which reprints, or "collects", comic material originally available in another format (typically comic book or graphic novel form), originally printed as one or more individual installments (volumes, issues, etc).

While a comic strip collection may qualify - by definition - as a collected edition, these books are categorized under "comic strip collections" instead.

The phrase "trade paperback" is often used interchangeably with "collected edition", although "trade paperback" actually describes the book's size and binding format, versus its actual content.  While the majority of collected editions are produced in the trade paperback format, in actuality, many are also available in hardcover and digest formats, and many SGNs and OGNs fall within the realm of the trade paperback format.

While a graphic novel reprinting a single comic book issue doesn't necessarily represent a "collection", these graphic novels are still categorized as collected editions.

U.S. published manga collected editions are rare.  They’re common with western publishers, however, who will often print their comic material in comic book form ahead of any graphic novel format.

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What is a "serialized collected edition"?

A serialized collected edition is a collected edition clearly labeled as part of a collected edition series, typically numerically sequenced (Volume 1, Volume 2, etc) so as to indicate where a particular serialized collected edition falls within the series.

U.S. published manga serialized collected editions are rare.  They’re very common with western publishers, however, who will often print their comic material in comic book form ahead of any graphic novel format.

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How do I know if a collected edition collects an entire comic series, or only part of a comic series?

A collected edition reprinting a complete comic book series (usually a limited or mini series) is sub-categorized as a "complete" collected edition.

A collected edition reprinting only a segment of a complete or ongoing comic book series, encompassing one or more story arcs, is known as a "segment" collected edition.

It is possible for a collected edition to be categorized as both a "complete" and "segment" collected edition, as some collected editions reprint issues from different comic book series. A good example is Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 5 (hardcover), which reprints the complete "Ultimate Six" series, as well as a segment of issues from the "Ultimate Spider-Man" comic book series.

Some segment collected editions, instead of collecting a traditional story arc, may instead collect thematic or otherwise loosely related comic book issues, which - while individual stories - do not contribute to a traditional story structure within the graphic novel.  In this case, it can be argued that this form of collected edition is not a graphic novel in the true sense of "novel", but is analogous to an anthology instead.  Given the fact that these books are often labeled a graphic novel in terms of marketing, I've included these types of books within the archive.

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What is a "comic strip collection"?

A comic strip collection is a graphic novel which collects comic strip material.  The material collected has often been previously published in another format (newspaper, magazine, etc), but can also be original (not having been previously published), or has been originally published in a non-print media (such as the Internet).

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What is a "serialized comic strip collection"?

A serialized comic strip collection is a comic strip collection clearly labeled as part of a series of comic strip collections, typically numerically sequenced (Volume 1, Volume 2, etc) so as to indicate where a particular serialized comic strip collection falls within the series.

How do I know if a comic strip collection collects an entire comic strip series, or only part of a comic strip series?

A comic strip collection reprinting a complete comic strip series is sub-categorized as a "complete" comic strip collection.

A comic strip collection reprinting only a segment of a complete or ongoing comic comic strip series, encompassing one or more story arcs, is known as a "segment" comic strip collection.

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What if a graphic novel falls within two or more content categories?

Whatever category the majority of the graphic novel’s contents falls within, is the set content category.  Further details can be found in the graphic novel's profile description.

For example: if a graphic novel's contents are 75% reprinted material (collected edition), and 25% original material (original graphic novel), the book would be categorized as a collected edition.

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What is a "cover gallery edition"?

A cover gallery edition is a book which collects and reprints comic book cover artwork.  It is not a graphic novel, but as many comic book enthusiasts will argue a comic’s cover is often part of the comic book’s storyline, they are currently catalogued by the archive.

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Are comic reference guides indexed by the Graphic Novel Archive?

No, with the exception of reference guides - originally published in comic book form - now available as one or more collected editions.

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Are comic artwork books indexed by the Graphic Novel Archive?

No, with the exception of comic artwork - originally published in comic book form - now available as one or more collected editions.

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What is "frame capture art"?

"Frame capture art" refers to graphic novels which, in lieu of drawn or painted artwork, use individual film frames or cells (from television, movies, etc; live action or animated) as the book’s artwork, laid out in comic form.  Often described as "film comics", "cine-manga", or "ani-manga".

RELATIONSHIP CATEGORIES

Relationship categorization focuses less on the actual contents of a graphic novel, and more on how graphic novels are related to one another by other factors. This includes formal relationships defined by a publisher's title series and/or book series designation, as well as informal relationships defined by continuities, storylines, characters, or other unifying criteria.

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What is a "title series"?

A title series defines a series of books, usually containing serialized content, related to one another via a common book title and numerical sequencing.  Examples include Naruto, Ultimate Spider-Man, and Batman: No Man’s Land.

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What is a "book series"?

A book series defines a series of books related to one another via a common format, size  and/or dressing design, and marketed as a distinct book series by the publisher.  Book series may contain one or more title series, and may or may not be numerically sequenced.  Examples include DC Archive Editions, Marvel Masterworks, and Showcase Presents.

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What is a "universe"?

A universe defines a relationship between graphic novels based on a particular theme, but not otherwise promoted or reflected by the publisher via an imprint label or other form of identification.

At its simplest, a universe typically involves two or more related title series.  For example, the Dragonball and Dragonball Z title series form a universe, as both series fall within the same continuity.

At an intermediate level, a character and his/her/its supporting cast (characters which often interact with the lead character) constitute a universe.  For example, graphic novels featuring Marvel’s Black Cat, Green Goblin, and Doctor Octopus would fall within the Spider-Man universe.  (Yes, this is somewhat subjective.)

At its most complex, a universe represents an involved continuity where characters from different graphic novels operate and interact with one another, in what is a clearly defined, all-encompassing, ongoing storyline.  For example, many graphic novels featuring Batman, Superman, Flash, and Wonder Woman will often fall within the DC universe.

While universes are often defined by characters and continuity, other relationships also qualify.  Manga series based on anime featured within Cartoon Network’s Toonami animation block, for instance.  In this case, Toonami would represent the universal relationship common amongst the various manga series.

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What is a "content rating"?

A content rating is a publisher’s judgment of the appropriateness of a graphic novel’s content for a given age group.

As publishers have different content ratings for their graphic novels, the GNA has developed a standardized rating system, which allows the application of a content rating relationship across all publishers.

Note:  Not all graphic novels are content rated.

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What is a "creator credit"?

A creator credit is an acknowledgement of what persons have played a role in the creation of a graphic novel’s content.

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What is an "imprint" or "studio"?

An imprint is a label applied to a graphic novel, denoting a particular theme, content rating, or other relationship, as defined by the book publisher.  A studio denotes a creative team or group within a publisher umbrella, responsible for the content contained with the graphic novel.

In most instances, an imprint or studio is represented by a universal graphic or logo, displayed across all graphic novels falling within the imprint or studio.  Examples of an imprint include Midnight Sons, Max, and Vertigo.  Examples of a studio include Wildstorm, Dabel Brothers, and Top Cow.

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BINDING/SIZE FORMAT CATEGORIES

As a graphic novel is comic material in book form, it's helpful to categorize graphic novels by their book format, which includes both their binding type (hardcover or softcover) and size.

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What is a "softcover"?

A softcover is a book featuring non-rigid, flexible, front and back covers.  With graphic novels, "trade paperback" and "softcover" are sometimes used interchangeably, although other book formats are also softcover in nature, including mass market paperbacks, digests and tankobon.

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What is a "hardcover"?

A hardcover is a book featuring rigid, inflexible, front and back covers.

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What is a "trade paperback"?

A trade paperback, often referred to as a TPB, is usually defined as an book in a paperback format which does not conform to the size of a mass market paperback.

Within the scope of graphic novels, I've found a trade paperback to often be a softcover book which conforms to the approximate original size and orientation of comic material produced within a particular "trade" or industry. A trade paperback printing comic book material conforms to the approximate size/orientation of a comic book, while a trade paperback collecting comic strips conforms to the approximate size/orientation of the comic strip.

The phrase "trade paperback" is often used interchangeably with "collected edition", as many collected editions are presented in a trade paperback format. The term is also often substituted for "softcover".

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What is a "hardback"?

Synonymous with hardcover.

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What is a "softback"?

Synonymous with softcover.

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What is a "tankobon"?

A tankobon, sometimes referred to as tankoubon, is a book measuring approximately 7" x 5".  It's the common format for most manga graphic novels.  The vast majority of tankobon are softcovers.

Most tankobon, while technically a trade paperback, are categorized separately by the GNA so as to easily differentiate their traditional size from that of trade paperbacks containing western material.

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What is a "digest"?

A digest is almost always a softcover book, smaller than the typical trade paperback. While often similar in size to a tankobon, this isn’t always the case, with the size fluctuating across publishers.

Digest is listed separately from trade paperback, as the TPB format typically prints its contents at the approximate size originally intended for publication, while the former typically reproduces material at a smaller size than originally published.

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What is a "paperback"?

The GNA defines "paperback" as the traditional, mass market paperback, which is a softcover book measuring approximately 7" x 4".

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COLOR CATEGORIES

Like comics, graphic novels can be printed with varying degrees of coloration applied, if any.

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What is "full color"?

"Full color" refers to artwork featuring the use of color throughout the graphic novel.

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What is "black and white"?

"Black and White" refers to artwork, either in black and white or grayscale, throughout the graphic novel.

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What is "black and white/w color"?

"Black and White/w Color" refers to artwork which, while primarily black and white, makes use of color within a very limited scope.  Examples include Sin City: The Babe Wore Red.

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What is "black and white/color"?

"Black and White/Color" refers to artwork which is sometimes presented in black and white, or grayscale, while at other times in presented in full color.

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IDENTIFICATION

So that graphic novel editions can be easily and uniquely identified from one another, various book unique identifier systems are often applied to graphic novels. The following identification systems are noted by the Graphic Novel Archive: ISBN (aka ISBN-10), ISBN-13, EAN/JAN, and Diamond Distributor's Preview catalog SKU code.

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What is an "ISBN"?

International Standard Book Number. This is a unique 10 digit identifier applied to the vast majority of graphic novels prior to 2007. Also known as an ISBN-10. This identifier may prove useful when requesting a specific graphic novel through a book store or library in areas supporting the ISBN standard, including the USA.

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What is an "ISBN-13"?

International Standard Book Number. This is a unique 13 digit identifier applied to the vast majority of graphic novels published after Jan 1st, 2007. This identifier may prove useful when requesting a specific graphic novel through a book store or library in areas supporting the ISBN-13 standard, including the USA.

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What is an "EAN/JAN"?

European Article Number. A unique 13 digit identifier. Also known as a JAN (Japanese Article Number). This identifier may prove useful when requesting a specific graphic novel through a book store or library in areas supporting these standards.

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What is a "Diamond Code"?

This is a unique ID assigned by Diamond Distributors, a direct market comics wholesaler, and published in their monthly Previews catalog (and supplements). (The GNA attempts to record Diamond's backlist/Star System code, and not necessarily codes given to newly listed items.) This identifier may prove useful when requesting a specific graphic novel from a comic book speciality shop.

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