This week, Faculty Librarians Gem Sosnowsky and Ciara Murray are joined by Charlotte Holgate for a comics-centric cast – join them in dispelling common stereotypes: comics are not "just for boys"!

Are you comics-curious?

Charlotte’s got some top tips for anyone who might have thought graphic novels weren’t for them…And, what’s next for comics? With more available in mainstream book shops and online, and more independent, diverse voices finding opportunities to tell their stories, the future looks bright!

Q: I'm new to comics and I'm not sure how to read them?  

A:  This a common question!  Sometimes page layouts are confusing, especially if you are new to the medium (or sometimes even if you are an practiced comics reader!).  The general rules are to read left to right, top to bottom, or if you are reading manga, top to bottom, right to left.  These rules apply both to the page, and within each panel.   A well designed comic will guide your attention across the page in the correct order, however, some creators make deliberate visual choices that disrupt these 'rules', using the layout itself as a storytelling device.  In these moments trust the process... they are taking you on a journey!  Enjoy!

A Guide to Reading Comics: Where to Start? | The Artifice