As to Liz’s big box store idea, I have noticed something along those lines. Target has a graphic novel section near the kids’ books. (I noticed this as no matter how bad a book section is, I must browse it) It was stocked with some vaguely appropriate books, though I’m unclear on what they had beyond an older skewing Neil Gaiman book I thumbed through. I think a more likely scenario would be Borders or some big chain having a family comics section, instead of wedging all of them into the science fiction section.

I also happily noticed a local library starting a vigorous comics & graphic novel section. Though diverse, it is a bit random with the kid and adult material mingling quite freely. They also haven’t included any books they had before starting this section, so some fine comic strips are hidden in the stacks.

That said, don’t knock proseletyzing when buying childrens’ gifts. I love nothing more than bestowing Barks Ducks, Jack Kirby FF, and Little Lulu on my kids’ friends.

Bongo is a wonderful publisher, and Kyle enjoyed working with them; he hopes to work with them again in the future.

These are just my comments as a parent:

Kyle’s story is in the middle of the comic, a family-friendly tale about fairies. The other two stories, particularly the last one, are not family-friendly. But it is a “horror” comic, so there you go.

But to my mind, this TREEHOUSE comic symbolizes the challenges parents face as they navigate their local comic shop (if there is one): you have to bypass a lot of inappropriate material to find the kiddie section (if there is one). Really, why bother? Our family shops at the local comic book store (we love them!), but none of my “mommy-friends” do.

I do know moms who shop at Walmart, K-Mart, Target. Imagine if these stores had an extensive quality comics/graphic novel section for young readers? Books like ARCHIE, THE BAKERS (shameless plug, sorry), BONE, OWLY, Scholastic, etc. as well as superheroes?

I can dream, can’t I?

p.s. Heidi: we love your blog!