1. The author gears this list of 500 essential graphic novels towards the higher educated, self important, New York Times book review lovin’ stuffed shirts. I picked it up hoping to find some hidden treasures that I may have not read, only to find it so one sided it’s ridiculous. To be on this list, have your book be: depressing, deadly serious, a racially based autobiography… etc. This list is not for comicbook fans. Not at all. I really felt that this book was only for PHD’s in English Theory, or for a group of professionals who get together for stodgy book clubs. It lists the basics that should be on the list (Watchmen, Maus, Dark Knight Returns…etc) and then fills out with high-fallutin’ books the average Joe wouldn’t even pick up on a whim. Name one person under 50 who gives a f’ about freakin’ TinTin? Leaf thru at the shelf, and then put it back!
   Rating: 2 / 5

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2. A very good way to be introduced to a broad swath of the best in graphic novels. It unfortunately (but necessarily) can only give the briefest of synopses to many of these works – but it does a great job of getting you interested in a lot of books you might not have come across or been interested in otherwise.
   Rating: 4 / 5

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3. A fantastic book, and the most comprehensive on the market. This book is “Essential” for teachers and librarians and for converting the non-fans in your life. It’s guaranteed to stir up controversy, as no-one is going to agree with all the choices included (or omitted), but that’s half the fun. The other half is discovering new gems to seek out and read. Part-guide book, part-conversation piece–no self-respecting fanboy should be without one!
   Rating: 5 / 5

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4. This is a very good overview of what’s out there in the world of the graphic novel. Broken up into genres, you’ll find short reviews and observations on each book. If you are new to this art form and want to get some sense of where to start, this book can serve as a solid guide for selecting material.

   It’s impressive, too, that the author did not limit the titles only to what’s currently hip, but includes older work, such as the timeless (and excellently crafted) Tin-tin stories of Herge.
   Rating: 4 / 5

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5. Kannenberg’s book is a ton of fun to read. It’s very easy to pick and flip through. This book has caused me to spend hundreds of dollars to catch up on “necessary reading.”

   It is organized by genre: horror, superhero, non-fiction, crime, humor, etc. There is some manga in the book, but that’s not really the emphasis here. Please note that superhero is listed as a genre, so if you’re looking for that it’s in the book but in a limited way. (It should also be noted that Kannenberg’s team of contributors does a great job listing some amazing superhero stuff. They know what they’re talking about.)

   I really love the 4 color, glossy paper–it really makes the covers and art shine. he also lists ISBN’s and publishers. It’s a great tool for creating what-to-buy lists. The summaries of the titles are accurate and fairly short. The commentary on the various titles is pretty good. He throws in some cool info nuggets here and there. I wanted more commentary on certain titles, but that’s a minor complaint. Again, this book helps you focus your reading on the titles that are likely to interest you.

   I have some quibbles on the star ratings, but that’s to be expected. I also like the age ratings–very helpful for finding some titles for my son.

   I enjoy this book so much for quick little reading bursts that I am inclined to get the companion book on top 500 anime movies.
   Rating: 4 / 5

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