by Matthew Russell - Posted 4 months ago
Welcome my CryptoComics Compatriots! Gather 'round as we embark on a journey through the tangled web of comic book jargon. It appears that a surprising number of folks can't quite tell a comic book from a graphic novel or a TPB (that's Trade Paperback, for the uninitiated).
Fear not, dear readers, for I am here to set the record straight. Prepare yourselves for an adventure through the bewildering world of illustrated literature, where we'll untangle these terms once and for all.
Let's dive in, shall we?
Sidenote: I had most of this written when the topic came up during a recent video. Jared was reading “It Rhymes With Lust.” This is considered the first Graphic Novel at 131 pages. Check it out by clicking the comic cover below or watch the video. Just be sure to give it a like, share, & subscribe. That really does help to get the word out on these readings.
In 1950, writers Arnold Drake and Leslie Waller, both attending college on the G.I. Bill, envisioned a sophisticated, novel-length comic tailored to their peers. Collaborating with comic art master Matt Baker, known for singularly defining the genre of "good girl art" on titles such as Phantom Lady, they crafted a film-noir inspired masterwork of romance, intrigue, and moral relativity. When cynical newspaperman Hal Weber reunites with old flame Rust Masson, he finds the beguiling widow of a mining magnate willing to do anything to undermine the local political machine - her only opponent for total control of Copper City!
Oh, the humble comic book! Part of an endless, never-ending series with characters that just won’t quit, comic books offer you a sliver of a tale. Imagine reading just one chapter of a never-ending novel, over and over again. Isn't that a thrill?
Comic books are part of an ongoing series, featuring characters that somehow never seem to age or lose their spark, no matter how many decades pass by. Each issue tells just a small part of a larger story, like watching a single episode of a long-running TV series and waiting a month for the next.
Sandman #8
Daredevil Vol 1 #191
20 Million Miles More #1
The classic Ray Harryhausen sci-fi epic re-imagines it for a new generation. It's been 50 years since the strange being from Venus rampaged through Italy. So it has been 50 years of secrets, misinformation, and outright lying. Once the world was convinced that the Ymir was a giant hoax and the mission to Venus never happened, it was lulled back to sleep, ignorant of the truth. But no one counted on genetics. Years of secret testing and breakthroughs in many of the gray areas of science created unintended consequences that could bring the Earth to its knees... and only an 11-year-old child can save it.
And then, we have the majestic Graphic Novel; a full-length opus told in the style of our beloved comic books, adorned with delightful graphics and artwork. These are the standalone/self contained epics.
They typically have a beginning, middle, and end, because, unlike comic books, they know how to wrap things up. (I joke. Comics have all 3 storytelling stages as well, just not as defined.)
Graphic novels dabble in fiction, non-fiction, history, fantasy, and any other genre you can think of, because why not?
Batman: Killing Joke
What Would Skeletor Do: Diabolical Ways to Master the Universe
Batman: The Long Halloween
From Hell
Paparazzi
Los Angeles-- some call it the city of angels, others call it a cesspool of debauchery and self indulgence-- but whatever you choose to call it, one thing is clear; L.A. is where all the action is. When an entertainment newspaper stops covering celebrity tabloids and starts to focus on the superhero community, all hell breaks loose. From closeted capes, to drugged out Do-Gooders, no one is safe from the poison pen of Sara Michaels and her award winning snake of a photographer, Glenn Barry. From the people who brought you The Legend of Isis, Tenth Muse, and Wrath of the Titans, comes a new type of comic book that explores what goes on under the spandex, and we aren't talking Botox! This special edition has never before seen images and character designs from the series.
Finally, let’s not forget the exalted TP (trade paperback). A premium softcover book (mostly), because who needs those pesky hardcovers anyway? Trade paperbacks also serve as the repository for collections of those never-ending comic book series we talked about.
They’re larger than your typical mass-market paperback. These often gather a complete story, a gripping story arc, or a hefty chunk of a saga, reprinting material from 4 to 12 comic books, because why read one comic book when you can read twelve?
Death of Superman
X-Men: Second Coming
Batman: Hush
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
Ninja High School/Gold Digger Crossover Collection #1
The epic crossover featuring two of the longest running indie comics!
So there you have it, my CryptoComics Compatriots! We've hopefully untangled the web of confusion surrounding comic books, graphic novels, and trade paperbacks. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you're now ready to navigate the comic book cosmos with confidence. Remember, each format has its own unique charm and place in the world of illustrated storytelling.
As a token of appreciation for sticking with me through this journey of discovery, here’s a special badge code: CBGNTPB. Head over to the "Dashboard" and redeem it to show off your newfound comic book expertise!
Stay tuned, because next week, I'll be jumping into the world of accessories for the digital artist. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you won't want to miss this guide. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, and get ready to enhance your digital artistry toolkit!
