Provides a concise guide to the best graphic novels that are currently in print and available, written by an enthusiast and expert in this popular field.

Packed with fun cartoons and images, informative sidebars, and commentary, "Comic Books 101" takes readers from the humble beginnings of the comic book all the way through to the popularity of today's comic-based blockbuster films.

The popular primer on the best graphic novels, initially called The 101 Best Graphic Novels, is back in its third updated edition. Expert librarian Stephen Weiner—with the crowdsourcing help of professionals in the field, from artists to critics to leading comic store owners—has sifted through the bewildering thousands of graphic novels now available to come up with an outstanding, not-to-be-missed 101. With an all-encompassing variety of genres, including both fiction and nonfiction, this serves as a great introduction to this increasingly influential world of pop culture and entertainment while also serving as a reference list for fans on what they may have possibly overlooked.

The groundbreaking history of the graphic novel, fully updated to include all of the latest must-reads, the milestones and the future of this exciting medium. The author of 101 Best Graphic Novels now tells the whole history of the graphic novel revolution, from the first modern urban autobiographical graphic novel, Will Eisner's A Contract With God, to the hip indie comics of the Hernandez Bros' Love and Rockets, the dark mysteries of Neil Gaiman's Sandman and the postmodern superheroics of Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight.

"Jack Knight is a rabid collector, operating an antiques and collectibles store in the heart of Opal City. Despite being the son of Ted Knight, the Golden Age hero known as Starman, Jack is nothing like him. Rebellious, stubborn and disdainful of Ted's past, Jack is certainly no hero. That is, until a terrible tragedy strikes-- Reluctantly adopting his father's former mantle, Jack forges a path as the latest inheritor of the Starman legacy. But now all of Ted's enemies are determined to snuff out this newest star before Jack has a chance to truly shine. Can Jack overcome incredible odds to prove that he has what it takes to be a hero"--Page [4] of cover, vol. 1.

Praised throughout the cartoon industry by such luminaries as Art Spiegelman, Matt Groening, and Will Eisner, this innovative comic book provides a detailed look at the history, meaning, and art of comics and cartooning.