How old were you when you read your first graphic novel?

I was a ripe 28, and the book was the Raina Telgemeier retelling of The Baby-sitters Club by Ann M. Martin. I read the graphic novel, studying the pictures intently (I knew the story by heart — you all know how deep my love for all things BSC runs!) and thought, “How many amazing stories have I been missing out on by not reading graphic novels?”

There’s lots of research behind the idea that graphic novels can be a type of “gateway book” for reluctant readers, and that’s certainly true. But graphic novels are also so much more than that. They’re an art form unto themselves. Because words are only half the story.

This Wednesday, we’re hosting a live webcast featuring acclaimed and bestselling graphic novelists Jeff Smith (BONE), Raina Telgemeier (Smile), and Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet) as they discuss how they merge words and pictures to create a narrative. Join us! Find all the details, including pre-webcast materials and technical considerations, here.

Are you a graphic novel reader? Why or why not?