 Library Journal will be presenting a feature previewing summer/fall 2019 graphic novels in the June 2019 issue. LJ graphic novels reviewer Ingrid Bohnenkamp will be focusing on the following topics - Debut creators and series
- New imprints and presses expanding in new directions
Genre trends
- Standout graphic novels in recent years have been memoir/biography. Should readers expect another strong showing in 2019? Whose stories are most anticipated?
- What other narrative trends are on the rise (e.g., slice-of-life, own voices, LGBTQ)?
- Does an emphasis on the women’s movement, social justice issues, activism, and politics still prevail? Which movements or ideas will be emphasized in 2019?
- Can readers expect a continued increase in diverse characters and creators?
- Are there fresh innovations in the superhero genre? Noteworthy series reboots? What kinds of new heroes will we see?
- Bandes dessinées and manga are well represented in English-language translations. What other countries will be prominently represented in translations this year?
- What are the most anticipated manga titles? Does the focus continue to be on series or has there been more demand for manga stand-alones?
- Who are the creators to watch on the international scene?
Publishing trends - Comics adaptations on streaming services have given new life to several classic series. Which classics are next in line for a print revival?
- Are you acquiring any self-published or crowd-funded titles?
- Which niches are new imprints or small presses filling in 2019? Have you seen an increase in the popularity of any one genre (e.g., horror, romance, crime fiction)?
- Has the rise of digital lending/reading platforms influenced comics creation? Are creators doing anything differently to cater to these alternative formats?
- Which titles will contribute to traditional print/comics crossover appeal (e.g., literary comics for readers who normally don’t read comics)?
- How are publishers marketing to libraries and library patrons?
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 June through December 2019), 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—along with any relevant quotes from editors or publishers to Ingrid Bohnenkamp at ingrid.bohnenkamp@gmail.com and be sure to cc me at apesek@mediasourceinc.com. The deadline is Friday, April 5. Sincerely, Annalisa
Annalisa Pešek
Assistant Managing Editor
Library Journal
123 William St., Suite 802
New York, NY 10038 |
