Comic Books for Grown-ups:

Comic books, for decades aimed at children and teenagers, are increasingly being written and drawn for an older and more sophisticated audience. Like European and Japanese prototypes, these new-wave comic books may appear in magazine or in quality-paperback format, often called "graphic novels." While many of the new comics present slicker, sexier versions of familiar he-man fantasies, others are produced by independent artists who use the form to tackle serious personal and contemporary themes. This intriguing new world of adult comics is generally not accessible through standard reference sources; this article offers a personal overview of the field, and some suggestions for the art or reference librarian interested in starting a collection.