First Second Books publishes high-quality graphic novels for a wide age-range, from kids to teens to adult readers.  Toward that end, First Second strives to upgrade the editorial process and the art direction that goes into making book-length comics.  First Second creators are talented storytellers – prize-winning novelists and non-fiction writers, top playwrights, screenwriters.  On the artistic side, First Second publishes an inspiring line-up of exceptional talents from all over the world.

In so many ways, First Second is about building bridges.

Bridges between fields

For playwrights, for instance, the appeal of a high caliber graphic novel lies in its ability to give intact and uncompromised form to their vision before submitting it to producers, committees or the Hollywood mill. For novelists, poets and essayists, the graphic form offers a unique platform to reach a large audience all over the planet and to amplify their voices through a very new and exciting medium, in collaboration with some of the best artists working today.

Bridges between countries

First Second’s list is highly international, bringing together works from around the globe. It also provides a wonderful arena for the cross-pollination of talents from the five continents who can collaborate in almost limitless ways and touch readers across borders.

Bridges between genres

The list already includes fiction of all kinds, as well as non-fiction such as personal memoirs, biographies, history, comics journalism and visual essays. An important aspect of the graphic novel is its ability to blur age categories and span a readership -- to use Tintin's slogan -- "From 7 to 77 years old."

Seeking the rarity

First Second is committed to quality, to the highest literary, artistic and production standards.  First Second is dedicated to publishing the works of true authors and artists, works of lasting value.

Review Written by Marya Jansen-Gruber