The Bookshow Blog

Not just a pretty comic book

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

I’ve always been a fan of comic books and graphic novels, I have had a childhood blessed with Tin Tin and Asterix books and my addiction has continued with my ever-expanding manga collection. Graphic novels and comics have been around for a while, but lately there has been an explosion in the genre. Whether it’s the rise of Japanese manga comics or graphic novel adaptations, comics have invaded the bookstores.

Today’s younger readers have embraced comics and graphic novels. Clare Snowball’s article on graphic novels says that today’s generation tap into the visual means of communication. There’s a been a push for graphic novels to be used in the classroom. Reluctant readers snap them up, whether they move on to reading novels is another matter but they get a sense of  accomplishment when they finish a graphic novel. You still need basic literacy skills to read a graphic novel. The perception that graphic novels are ultra-violent has been eroded with the broad range of subjects available, from adaptations of classic novels to memoir to fresh new stories that could only be possible using the vibrant mix of visuals and words.  
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Tags: comic books, graphic novels, Literary awards
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