by guest writer, Amanda Taylor

As a Young Adult Editor, I spend a sizeable amount of time watching market reports and trying to figure out industry trends. Some projections come to fruition, some don’t. According to last year’s ICv2 conference on the Graphic Novel, there was a notable shift underway in the young adult graphic novel industry. Industry leaders reported that the 13–18-year-old market was saturated, and that buyers and customers were interested in seeing more graphic novels for readers aged 10 and under.

Milton Griepp, President of ICv2, the news magazine and website that is recognized as a pop-culture authority, stated that those watching the graphic novel industry would notice the “generational transfer” that was underway. Griepp predicted more graphic novels being published for a younger audience. The success of graphic novels for the younger audience, such as the Captain Underpants books, showed publishers the demand did indeed exist, and the shift is definitely in progress.

This year has already produced some notable graphic novels for younger readers, and leaves this YA editor wondering what’s next?

If you’re interested in reading a new graphic novel for ages 9+, I recommend Bowler Hat Comics’ Kid Beowulf and the Blood-Bound Oath by Alexis E. Fajardo.