Way back in 1954 the United States Senate and Dr. Fredrich Wertham almost wiped out the comic book industry. After many years of social acceptance as a second-string medium for children entertainment, various social afflictions including juvenile delinquency were placed squarely at the foot of comic publishers and marketers and in addition to the growing recognition of crime and horror comics. The medium has seen its share of good and the bad over many decades but has now become a darling of teachers and librarians in the form of graphic novels.
Comics and graphic novels as acceptable literature
Not too a long time ago, kids caught hiding comics between the pages more robust yet less interesting reading material were likely delivered to the dean's office. However graphic novels and comics, including classics for example Superman and Batman but in addition their generally more refined, nuanced cousins graphic novels, are not only regarded as educational tools by savvy instructors, they're also given serious attention to graphic novels as literature as well by critics and popular entertainment pundits.
Comic books and graphic novels could be a terrific way to pique reluctant readers' interest and challenge individual students who're not quite keen on moving to traditional literature. Many teens collect comics and are devoted to the heroic figures of the favorite comic books. Graphic novels enthusiasts frequently spend time in comic stores, browsing and waiting in anticipation for that latest delivery of comics. Some graphic novels and comics fans are collectors of merchandizing comic book and keep them maintained in mint quality condition. Unfortunately, the market for collectors’ items is hit or miss.
Graphic novels save the world again
Many comics address subjects that are vital to many pre-teens and teenagers, including issues of acceptance, nonconformity, prejudice, social injustice, transitional phase, overcome adversity, and personal growth. The super-hero as modern graphic novels mythology figures for example Superman, Batman, and Spiderman represent identifiable cultural symbols and perhaps, effective archetypes.
Then graphic novels became a financial blessing for both the comic book market in general and movies as well. Comics and graphic novels now find themselves competing against their movie and Television counterparts.
Adapting comic books and graphic novels to other media is not new; comic book adaptations to movies and radio were commonplace in the 30s and 40s. Many of the storylines and mythology around our favorite heroes actually appeared first on radio and were later standard upon in the funny pages. During the 50s the witch hunt by Congress and Dr. Wertham , caused Hollywood, radio and television to halt any new adaptations because of the stigma that was beginning to attach itself to the color comics. The 70s and 80s saw a change in attitude and acceptance of comics as a fun and important medium for kids of all ages. Graphic novels were perfect because they encompassed a wide range of genre.
Comics and graphic novels address social issues
Since the seventies, comics and graphic novels have been at the forefront of the trends of its day. The four color printing press has undertaken subjects for instance substance abuse, spousal abuse, alcoholism, lack of family and companionships, sexual orientation, and much more. A lot of controversial subjects have been raised and addressed in comics over the years. On many occasions graphic novels tell stories concerning the specific addiction are given a positive ending and sometimes instead of a victory the story ends in loss. In either case graphic novels or comics help to reveal that even individuals with remarkable abilities can have problems carrying out the most human of functions, or could be affected by them just like everybody else can.
Comics and graphic novels make nice with schools and libraries
The comic industry is beginning to identify with its new found niche in libraries and schools. It seems that libraries are now in possession of a permanent yearly panel in the biggest comic convention, the San Diego Comic Con. They discuss the power of graphic novels on reading skills.
Over the last decade libraries have fallen in love with graphic novels. These are usually standalone stories or compilations of previously printed books that span a wide variety of genre and appeals to a much broader audience than everyday comic books. Graphic novels can be considered a medium like the paperback novel or audio book. They are more satisfying in that they cover the complete story from start to finish even if there main characters are part of a series. There was satisfaction in finishing a complete story arc in one sitting in an afternoon through graphic novels.
Although it is proper etiquette to do your comic book reading in the library, reading comics and graphic novels in school is now accepted as part of your general education. I'm sure that Dr. Fredrich Wertham is probably rolling over in his grave whenever a new graphic novels inspired movie adaptation from a comic book breaks box office records. So you see, graphic novels are the new medium for literature.
