UXL Graphic Novelists

This three-volume work profiles 75 authors, artists, and (mostly) author/artists of graphic novels, including some of the most influential and celebrated English-language creators such as Neil Gaiman, Will Eisner, Frank Miller, Alan Moore, and Art Spiegelman, as well as a significant number of Japanese manga artists and writers whom one suspects are just as important in their respective milieu. The profiles are largely biographical in nature, although some limited discussion of the creators' most important works is usually included. Introductory essays offer short histories of the graphic novel and manga. Also, a guide to graphic novel publishers and a glossary are included. Some examples of the artists' illustrations are reproduced, but not as many as might be expected given the topic. Twenty-four of the authors agreed to be interviewed for the project. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)