The Stigma Regarding Graphic Novels and Comic Books
Many of us tend to unintentionally have a snobbish attitude regarding graphic novels and comics. They are often viewed as being “beneath” literary novels because of their lack of text, which is often equated to children’s picture books. However, there is an abundance of proof to say that graphic novels and comics are in no way inferior to other modes of reading.
Graphic novels and comics perceived as lacking text and, therefore, artistic merit. Lack of text is not a universal signifier of poor quality, however; Many poems, a medium regarded highly in academic circles, have small word counts. Of course, the variety of types of poetry result in a wide range of lengths, with many poems spanning multiple pages, but just as many poems only contain a few lines or stanzas. The length of a poem is hardly used to measure its artistic quality, which makes sense. The focus lies on more important elements, such as the poem’s message, language, organization, and so on. Graphic novels and comics should be given a similar evaluation; instead of focusing on how long they are, we should focus on the content. The historical value of poetry persuades the public to praise its quality, paying no regards to its similarities to graphic novels.
Even so, some will claim that graphic novels and comics are “too easy,” that they don’t have any substance, or that they don’t require enough investment. Per contra, these assumptions are not based on fact. The beloved author Raina Telgemeier has published bestselling graphic novels such as Smile and Sisters, both of which have done outstandingly well because of their relatable storylines. Both stories contain the ever-important themes of family, sisterhood, and growing up. In no manner do they tell a meaningless story. One of the greatest pieces of English literature, Pride and Prejudice, was made into a graphic novel in 2013. It may be shorter, but it still depicts the same story and invokes the same serious elements that the original novel does. Thus, graphic novels and comics should be considered as real books.
One of the most prevalent features of graphic novels cannot be overlooked: their artistic quality. The vivid pictures that accompany text help readers envision a scene and understand the accompanying material more thoroughly. There is no doubt that words can convey the complex messages in literature, but images undeniably help to enhance that message. When people show disdain towards graphic novels and comics because of their many illustrations, they are sending the misguided message that pictures do not compare to written words. There is an old adage known to many: a picture is worth a thousand words. Illustrations are essential to many stories, and can have profound meanings that reveal emotions and implications. There is no study stating that pictures cannot be as effective as written words in conveying a message. The artistic quality of graphic novels and comics is, in fact, very advantageous towards their purpose.
The modern genre of graphic novels can help reluctant readers overcome their dislike for reading. Children may balk at the idea of reading a lengthy text over 100 pages long; forcing similar texts on a child is not going to magically change their mindset about reading. In fact, shoving multiple heavy texts on a child is likely to increase their disregard for books. Sometimes, a different approach is needed, and graphic novels and comic books offer this alternative.
For young children who have trouble understanding certain words, images in graphic novels and comics can be helpful towards deciphering word meanings. Additionally, colorful pictures are more likely to capture a child’s attention than pages of inked words. Comics and graphic novels can be so effective at grabbing childrens’ attention; they may be interested in reading for hours and hours. They may stay up late into the night, under their covers with a flashlight, trying to finish a story. Who are we to diminish a child’s love of literature just because we don’t like or care to understand the medium through which they are reading?
What message do we send to children when we tell them that graphic novels and comic books are not “real” reading? These graphic novels and comics that we too often look down upon may be the first books connecting a child to the world of literature. They may be the first books that children invest so much of their time and energy into completing. If these books can compel a student to read for long periods of time, and can encourage their love of reading, who are we to discourage them?
References:
Just a comic book: A defense of children’s nonfiction graphic novels. (2018). Ingram Content Group. https://www.ingramcontent.com/blog/just-a-comic-book-a-defense-of-childrens-nonfiction-graphic-novels
Ripp, P. (2018). Why graphic novels belong in all of our libraries. https://pernillesripp.com/2018/10/10/why-graphic-novels-belong-in-all-of-our-libraries/
