The industry of graphic novels is targeting the underrepresented female readers. Traditionally comic books and their upper-end cousins, graphic novels, have been aimed at boys and young men. Now more artists, authors and publishers want to focus their attention on providing subject matter for female readers.

Superheroes have been the traditional themes of American graphic novels, until the mid-1990s when more serious storylines also became popular. A variety of subjects is planned to appeal to female audiences (Bill Eichenberger, 'Not Just for Boys: Graphic Novels Explode in Popularity, Thanks to Broadening Fan Base," The Columbus Dispatch, April 15, 2007).

A Japanese style of graphic novel, called manga, is rising rapidly in popularity, especially among girls.