Library Journal will be presenting a feature previewing summer and fall 2017 graphic novels in the June 15, 2017, issue. LJ graphic novels reviewer Douglas Rednour will be focusing on the following topics:

• Debut creators and series
• New publishers and presses expanding in new directions
• Genre trends:
• Women creators have been putting out an impressive and growing body of work, drawing new audiences to the comics art form. Will this trend keep expanding throughout 2017, and if so, are there any specific creators to watch?
• Diversity and the status quo are two important forces shaping comics today. Diverse characters and talent behind the stories have opened up new storytelling possibilities. At the same time, the mainstream superhero universe has seen major series-wide story lines reestablishing earlier iterations of their shared universe (e.g., DC Comics’ Rebirth). How will these twin themes be expressed throughout 2017?
• Crime fiction experienced a resurgence in 2016, with the advent of the Hard Case Crime imprint at Titan Comics as well as newer series like “Lady Killer,” “Goldie Vance,” and “Black Magick.” What are your predictions for other subgenres with rising popularity?
• Publishing issues:
• The nostalgia for 1980s licensed properties keeps on growing to fan acclaim. Are there any forthcoming licenses coming up that will amaze readers?
• What translations, especially first-time English translations, of international comics are coming out this year? Do you note particular themes?
• Reprinting classic newspaper comics has grown in scope and size in recent years. What upcoming reprints of classic newspaper strips have you most excited?
• Are any new imprints launching in 2017? Any e-original content?
• How are the publishers of graphic novels marketing to libraries?

If you have any suggestions for authors/artists, editors, or publishers who would be available for an interview or a possible Q&A, please let us know.

We’d love to hear from you on any or all of these topics. We also will be highlighting your lead titles for the coming seasons (pubbing May through December 2017), to be discussed within the feature and included in a companion list.

Please send the following information for your top releases: author, title, ISBN, page count, price, marketing plans, formats available (print, audio [these do exist], ebook), and a brief description—catalog copy will suffice—to Douglas Rednour at drednour@gsu.edu and be sure to cc me at apesek@mediasourceinc.com.

The deadline is Monday, May 1.

Thank you so much for your help and participation.

Sincerely,

Annalisa Pešek
Assistant Managing Editor
Library Journal
123 William St., Suite 802
New York, NY 10038