Knowing we had a baby on the way and I was taking a year off work to be a stay-at-home dad, I understood we had to start cutting back on nonessential purchases.  Among those things I deemed unnecessary to buy were graphic novels.  However, as a lover of the genre for over twenty-seven years, there was no way I was going to simply STOP reading them.

Though a slight-germaphobe, I overcame my anxieties and made my way to our local libraries (we have two in the area).  And boy, am I glad I did!

I’m now reading more graphic novels than ever-and totally for free!  No longer do I have to be careful about what I pick up due to monetary constraints; now I can take a chance on as many titles as I like without any regrets.

In the last two months, I’ve checked out and read:

Tom Strong, Book I
Shazam!: The Monster Society of Evil
100 Bullets, Volume I
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born
Sandman Mystery Theatre: The Tarantula
Sandman Mystery Theatre: Sleep of Reason
NextWave: Agents of H.A.T.E, Volume I
Death: At Death’s Door
The Eternals
Promethea, Book I
Ultimate Iron Man, Volume I
The Amazing Adventures of the Escapist

and waiting in the wings are:

Marvel 1602
Spider-Man: The Other
Spider-Man: Reign
DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore

This is advantageous for all involved.  You get to read more graphic novels at virtually no cost.  Your library is getting support and new patrons.  The graphic novel section in your library will see more activity and bolster as a result.  Creators are gaining more exposure which could ultimately bring them more revenue.

So what are you waiting for?  Go enjoy yourself!