It's believed the term "graphic novel" was coined by Richard Kyle in an 1964 essay, though it didn't gain popularity until the late 1970s with the publication of Will Eisner's A Contract with God.

While some in the comics community object to the term, calling it unnecessary, few can argue against the genre's popularity. Our graphics novel collection has grown so much, we moved it out of the nonfiction stacks and into its own shelving area on the Library's second floor.

Our nominations for the Best Graphic Novels of the year include both children and adult titles. Children titles can be found in the Children's Room.

ICPL's BEST GRAPHIC NOVELS OF 2016