Who, indeed, is "this guy"?

Welcome to my new website! My name is Nathan Herald, and I run a place called The Graphic Reader where I talk about comics, graphic novels, and the like.

So, what are your qualifications?

If you're just wanting to look at my CV, click here.

If you want the full snark answer, keep reading.

Right. Straight to the point. I like it. I've been a lifelong reader of comics and graphic novels, and I've read *a lot* of them over the years. In fact, in 2020, I read over 500 graphic novels and books combined. You can find the list here if you don't believe me. I've also written a book on graphic novels and comics for younger readers. I've spoken repeatedly at comic conventions and to educators, creators, and historians about comic books and graphic novels, and I am currently finishing up a Master's Program for Library Science at the University of Southern Mississippi, with a certificate in archives and special collections.

I run an irregularly updated Youtube channel as well, where I talk about specific titles.

Thank you. So, why should I look at this website?

Well, you've come this far, might as well stick around for a little while, right?

I suppose, but what's the point?

Boy, you're a salty one! Why don't you sit down for a minute. Your self-righteousness is showing.

Anyways, I've always felt that graphic novels and comics are a gateway drug to literacy. Long maligned and vilified (Thanks Dr. Wertham!), comics and graphic novels actually teach and encourage consumers of the medium. Juxtaposed images and text that used together tell a story entertain, educate, console, enrage, or entice the reader in ways that other mediums can't. In educational settings, comics have been shown to help increase literacy and comprehension, in addition to getting "reluctant readers" to better engage in the act of reading.

Yeah, but...

I wasn't finished. Comics and graphic novels are not a genre, but a medium. (general noises of interjection) I know, you didn't say anything about that, but I knew it was coming. As a medium, like paperback or hardback books, there's a lot of different genres out there, and finding a good jumping off point can prove difficult from time to time.

That's where I come in.

I like connecting people with books. I don't really care to debate who'd win in a fight, Superman or Goku, but I can definitely point you to books that can help you make that decision. Getting into a new medium, or even a certain genre can be daunting. What if you don't have a whole lot of time to pick out a book, but you want to try this type of medium. You're hesitant, because you've had bad experiences with comics in the past. The newspaper stuff is dull and formulaic, and if you don't like what you read, you'll give up on it all together. You need someone who can get your interest piqued so you want to continue.

But comics are just for kids - or perverts, right?

No.

Comics are for everyone. Kids, adults, teens, all of them.

As for the pervert crack, you've been watching too many anime (Japanese cartoon) ads. Yes, that stuff does exist, but like other adult entertainment, you have to go seek it out. It doesn't just fall in your lap.

Well, that's all I really have for you right now. If you have any questions, you can always reach me at thegraphicreader@gmail.com