This new edition contains essays covering graphic novels and core comics series, focusing on the independents and underground genre that form today's canon for academic coursework and library collections. While there is very little "underground" aspect of this genre, the independent collection has seen remarkable growth since the previous edition. New titles added to this edition include: BOXERS & SAINTS; PAYING FOR IT; DAY TRIPPER; THE BEST WE COULD DO; MY FAVORITE THING IS MONSTERS; YOUNG FRANCES; THIS ONE SUMMER; and MARBLES, MANIA, DEPRESSION, MICHELANGELO AND ME. A first in the field, this series focuses on all aspects of the graphic novels genre, aiming to establish it as an important academic discipline and research topic in libraries. Designed for academic institutions, high schools, and public libraries, the series provides unique insight into the stories and themes expressed in historic and current landscape of the graphic novel medium.<\\P>