Must haves in Graphic Novels

[Deborah Stafford]

What would you consider the "must haves" in starting a Graphic Novel collection?
One nominee Maus

Do you consider Graphic Novels and Manga as the same thing?

[Elizabeth Koch]

Did anyone mention the Bone series? I've met a lot of followers of that series.

[Wendy]

Recently purchased Elizabeth I graphic novel and Houdini. Students have picked them up, but
they are really into Shonen Jump, Chibi Vampire, and Chronicles of the Cursed Sword. tried Cromartie High - kids rated at as ok because of language. I find the want a decent story. Buddha I and 2 were read and found the history interesting. Manga are
popular enough that some students have around 126 volumes. I hope they outgrow them because I
would really like to add them to my collection.

[Bonnie Hauser]

I am a little late joining this, but I have some series titles that are really popular in my library. The Ranma 1/2 series and Kare Kano are popular with both boys and girls. Kare First Love was so popular that I only have one of the volumes left. I really liked American Born Chinese, and The Plain Janes. The publisher of the Plain Janes has a graphic novel imprint, Minx, and have several others coming out. The genre is becoming so popular that many book jobbers are putting the books in hardback bindings. I do have a separate area where I put all graphic novels, from superheroes to manga. Some students prefer one to the other, but having them together helps those who like both.

[Alan Jacques]

Ive a question.
Graphic novels are such a huge group and there is a lot of sex and violence, how do you source age appropriate stories? Or does everyone just play pot luck?