After the successful and innovative first two editions, now in a new, restructured 3rd edition, this remains the most authoritative introduction for studying comic books and graphic novels, covering their place in contemporary culture, the manifestations and techniques of the art form, the evolution of the medium and how to analyze and write about them.The new edition includes:- A completely reworked introduction explores the comics community in the US and globally, its history, and the role of different communities in advancing the medium and its study- Chapters reframed to get students thinking about themselves as consumers and makers of comics- Reorganized chapters on form help to unpack encapsulation, composition and layout- Completely new chapters on comics and how they can be used to report, document, and persuade, as well as a new Preface by Karen GreenIllustrated throughout, with discussion questions and activities for every chapter and an extensive glossary of key terms, The Power of Comics and Graphic Novels also includes further updated resources available online including additional essays, weblinks and sample syllabi.

PrefaceIntroductionUnit 1 - CULTUREChapter 1: Comics in Culture, Comics as CultureChapter 2: Making and Reading ComicsUnit 2 - FORMChapter 3: Encapsulation of the Narrative Chapter 4: Composition of the PanelsChapter 5: Layout of the PagesUnit 3 - GENREChapter 6: Genres of ComicsChapter 7: Memoir ComicsChapter 8: Superhero ComicsChapter 9: Emerging Genres: Journalism, Documentary, AdvocacyUnit 4 - CONTEXT & ANALYSISChapter 10: The Evolution of ComicsChapter 11: Exploring Meanings in ComicsChapter 12: Writing about ComicsGlossary Bibliography