Graphic novels growing in popularity

NEW YORK, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- The ongoing growth in the popularity of graphic novels has surprised many loyal fans, attendees of a New York symposium say.

Scott McCloud, who creates graphic novels, said at "SPLAT! A Graphic Novel Symposium" that the key to the increased interest in the artistic literary genre is helping the general public understand them, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

"What they are is a publishing shorthand that says: big fat comic with a spine -- and people get that," McCloud said at the gathering at the library of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen.

McCloud's comments come as the graphic novel business is booming, according to the Web site ICv2. The popular culture Internet site said U.S. and Canadian sales of graphic novels have risen from $75 million in 2001 to $375 million in 2007.

That sales growth was likely due to the increased presence of the over-sized comic books at bookstores that finally recognized their revenue potential. The Post, citing ICv2, said 2001 bookstore sales were $32 million, compared with $250 million last year.