Banned Books Week: Challenged Graphic Novels

Now through Saturday, October 6th is Banned Books Week, a yearly event that celebrates the freedom to read. Over the years, many books, including graphic novels, have been challenged, due to sensitive topics or what some individuals consider inappropriate content. The library aims to provide a cornucopia of titles, ranging from all subjects, without censorship.

Listed below are challenged graphic novels. For more information about these challenged titles and other books, visit Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and go to Resources, Banned Comics, then Banned & Challenged Comics. Check one out and see what you think!

• Blankets by Craig Thompson. If you have ever read one of Thompson's work, you might notice his illustrative quality to be exceptional. However, this title has been challenged due to its obscene images.
• Fun Home: a family tragicomic by Alison Bechdel.
• Maus by Art Spiegelman. Maus is considered a staple to graphic novel reading and has won awards for it's narrative. But at one point, this title was challenged because it was considered "anti-ethnic."
• Sandman (series) by Neil Gaiman.
• The Color of Earth by Kim Dong Hwa. This work has been listed in the American Library Association's Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2011. It has been challenged due to it's unsuitability for the intended age group.

For more information about Banned Books and the annual event, visit Banned Books Week.