Graphic storytelling can be distributed in a wide variety of mediums and covers a diverse range of genres. Many people might not even realize that they are already fans. Cartoons in the Sunday paper, thick graphic novels, Japanese manga, online strips, and superhero comics all fit under the banner of graphic storytelling. And for every distinguished taste, there is a graphic novel. Our collection offers stories of romance, humor, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, war, mystery, history, biographies, and more! There are graphic novels suitable for young children, just as there are graphic novels tailored to a sophisticated adult audience.
That is a big reason that I started the Graphic Content Graphic Novel Discussion Group. I feel like most people still only associate comics with strong guys in tights. And although I love superheroes, I know that not everybody does. I felt like most people still don’t know enough about graphic novels to pick one up on their own. And so, I started the club to help people get into graphic novels and hopefully change their perceptions. I wanted to show that comics aren’t just for children (though there are certainly some great children’s titles out there!) and that not all comics involve mutant super teams. Conversely, I also wanted to prove that super hero comics could be well written and contain compelling and intellectual content. It was with these things in mind, that I picked our selections for the first year of Graphic Content. Half of the books are indie or alternative, meaning that they are mostly likely put out by smaller publishers and cover genres not connected to superheroes. The other half I dedicated to superhero comics that challenge misconception about that particular genre. These are super comics with a lot of nuance and grace, not all about splattering aliens and wearing tight spandex.
Comics have permeated every aspect of our culture and have become a modern mythology. Superman is to us what Zeus was to the ancient Greeks. Year after year superheroes dominate the box office and sell tons of merchandise. Even movies you'd never expect (Road to Perdition, From Hell) are adapted from graphic novels. We're surrounded! But most adults simply don't know a lot about these heroes their children idolize. Though it's been lightly touched upon in his movies, many parents probably don't realize that when they bundle their children up in Iron Man pajamas, that one of his major plot points and characterizations is his ongoing battle with alcoholism. These characters have been around for decades, and been written by many people. In many instances, they've been simplified and toned down for a younger audience, but in the source material, they are adult characters with adult problems and emotions. There is a lot to know! I posit that if we are going to make super heroes such a large part of our consumer culture, that we should at least be educated about who these characters are.
Comics have permeated every aspect of our culture and have become a modern mythology. Superman is to us what Zeus was to the ancient Greeks. Year after year superheroes dominate the box office and sell tons of merchandise. Even movies you'd never expect (Road to Perdition, From Hell) are adapted from graphic novels. We're surrounded! But most adults simply don't know a lot about these heroes their children idolize. Though it's been lightly touched upon in his movies, many parents probably don't realize that when they bundle their children up in Iron Man pajamas, that one of his major plot points and characterizations is his ongoing battle with alcoholism. These characters have been around for decades, and been written by many people. In many instances, they've been simplified and toned down for a younger audience, but in the source material, they are adult characters with adult problems and emotions. There is a lot to know! I posit that if we are going to make super heroes such a large part of our consumer culture, that we should at least be educated about who these characters are.
I picked up my first graphic novel in the 10th grade (though I’d been enjoying the Sunday funnies for years) and I was immediately hooked. It was Maus by Art Spiegelman, a biography detailing the horrors of the Holocaust. It was black and white, and completely different from anything I’d ever read before. It put me on the path to discovering more graphic novels, and helped me become the aficionado I am today. It is still one of my favorite books. For this reason, I decided to open the club to teens age 15 and up, the age I was then. Teens that age should be able to grasp the concepts and content of the books we’re going over, while still being engaged and challenged. I know I was. Meanwhile, if I can bring in some older readers with books that will surprise them with their depth, I’ll be a happy camper! That’s all I can ask for.
Some of the books we’re reading will be funny, some action packed, and others introspective. One thing is for sure - new readers should be ready to open themselves up to a whole new experience.
