New Titles from the Stanford Graphic Novel Project

The Stanford Graphic Novel Project's 2009/ 2010 line-up features two non-fiction graphic novels: Virunga and Pika-Don. Developed as student facilitated graphic novels and released by the university's creative writing program, the novels are the product of student and faculty labor.

The program is led by Senior Jones Lecturer and accomplished writer Adam Johnson, who coordinates with students, affiliated artists, writers and editors during a twenty-week course at Stanford to produce the stories. It’s a project that Johnson says "is designed to teach non-fiction research and storytelling skills to undergraduates through the collaborative creation of a graphic novel."

The result is a vivid and compelling take on storytelling, giving an organic and individualized perspective to events we’ve only heard of or witnessed on TV. As Adam explains, the goal of the Stanford Graphic Novel Project is to tell real-world stories and give voice to those who might otherwise go unheard in the hopes of doing good, seeking justice and bringing about change.

Browse around at SGNP's site, where you can read an excerpt from Pika-Don. And look for an interview and novel excerpt from Adam Johnson in the upcoming issue of HFR!