Graphic novels and comic books play an important role in storytelling. They have evolved to be one of the best mediums that combine art and literature. These books are entertaining and give a new perspective on the world. But there are some myths about graphic novels and comic books. People undermine these books and do not consider them to be a part of the literature. But is that true? In this article, we will explore the multiverse of literature and find the myths about graphic novels and comic books.
What are Graphic Novels and Comic Books?
Storytelling can be in different forms, but one of the common and effective ways is the written format. It can be done via these novels and books.
1 . Graphic Novels
Graphic novels are stories written in a structured format with the help of visualization. Graphic novels are often considered to be written for a more mature audience. They have a definite writing structure. These novels do not deviate from the traditional novel writing format. The stories can be fiction or non-fiction and can be more complex. Due to their complexion, graphic novels can be made into series.
The structured format includes:
- The beginning
- Introduction and development of characters
- The problem
- The middle
- The aftermath
- Resolution and thematic message
- The end
Examples of Graphic Novels:
- A History of Violence by John Wagner
- Watchmen by Alan Moore
- The Diary of a Teenage Girl
- Red by Warren Ellis
2. Comic Books:
Comic books are published in an episodic manner. The narrative structure of comic books involves the use of imagery and boxes for dialogue. Comic books deal with highly visualized content apart from the traditional writing formats. There are no imaginary boundaries when it comes to comic book writing. It can be expanded into any kind of genre with the help of illustrations. Comic books had a significant influence on the storytelling narratives from the mid-twentieth century. Famous comic book publishers are Marvel Comics and DC Comics.
Examples of Comic Books:
Before talking about the myths about graphic novels and comic books, let us discuss the impact these books had.
The Impact On Society and Children:-
The process of storytelling has evolved over the years. It introduced some unique narrative structures. Books have the power to break the barriers of reality. They give us a sense of freedom to express views, thoughts, and emotions.
Certainly, comic books and graphic novels have had a significant impact on society. They act as an educational tool for children. Sometimes, it feels boring to read a book about a particular subject. But novels and comics have the power to make complex subjects more engaging, imaginative, and easy to understand.
It is hard to make children develop the habit of reading. Well, comic books to the rescue! They are made of visually captivating images and quirky dialogues, which makes the kids get hooked on the storyline. The joy it brings to the kids when they read about Batman throwing a punch, like BAM!, to Joker.
But are they just confined to building up the habit of reading? It might look like so, but it has some other kind of impact on them. Usually, these books showcase characters from different backgrounds and cultures, and kids relate to these characters, which results in exposure to a diverse society. Comic books help kids understand concepts in a fun way and improve their vocabulary.
Here are 4 Myths about Graphic Novels and Comic Books:
SLAM! is the accurate word to describe the feeling whenever people say that comic books and graphic novels are not a part of the literature. It is difficult to engage people and give them a good reading experience. A good story in a well-written format does the job. Sometimes it just feels like they are confined to a particular strategy.
Stories are fascinating. But what makes them even more interesting? Visual storytelling! It has changed the conventional processes. It has been embedded in the form of novels and comics. Let us look at the four myths about graphic novels and comic books.
1. They are for children
Mainly, they are usually aimed at a younger audience. This is due to the characters with costumes and a good color palette. Comics and graphic novels are just not about that. The character development, the depiction of injustice, and morality give out a mature outlook on the world.
For example, the comic books V for Vendetta and Watchmen showcase the amount of social injustice, crime, and inequality in society in a dark-themed setting. Certainly, it does not feel like they are just made for kids.
2. They are not considered to be real literature
The main component of graphic novels and comics is visual storytelling, which involves illustrations. Batman comics usually explore the concepts of psychology and morality, which also involve character development. The characters are built in the traditional format of literature. There are no boundaries to literature and creativity. These books are a perfect amalgamation of literature and art.
3. They are all about superheroes
This is one of the common myths about graphic novels and comic books that people claim. People often generalize graphic novels and comic books. But are they all about superheroes? Well, the number of books written on superheroes is high, but it’s not all about them.
What about the book A History of Violence? Is it about a superhero? The book is about the owner of a small-town diner. When it is raided by some petty criminals, the way he fends them off makes us question his identity. Other books, like The Walking Dead and V for Vendetta, are set in a post-apocalyptic world and depict the harsh reality.
4. They showcase a lot of violence
People have the never-ending habit of finding loopholes in anything. A book has to be engaging for the readers. It makes it boring for the readers if there is no creativity. Violence is that extra touch of creativity. It depicts the emotions like anger, revenge, and betrayal. We have the freedom to explore certain emotions through writing and literature. There are some great books written by great authors that involve violence. Does this mean that they were promoting it?
Influence on the Modern World
Graphic novels and comic books have had a significant impact on the world since the mid-twentieth century. They introduced some iconic characters and plotlines that are still regarded as one of the greatest works. The comic book publishers Marvel Comics and DC Comics are the leading publishers in recent times. They evolved into production studios and made some great movies based on the comic/novel characters. Movies like The Dark Knight, Iron Man, Avengers, and Justice League are some of the major films produced by these studios and have brought immense revenue.
Conclusion
Graphic novels and comic books are very imaginative. They are the perfect blend of art and literature. Started as a medium to engage younger audiences, they evolved to become one of the most respected art forms. They can connect with a larger audience with their engaging visual storytelling. But there are some myths about graphic novels and comic books. The myths are more like misconceptions that people have about these books. They are part of the literature, and people should acknowledge this art.
Also read: Top 20 Books for People Who Don’t Like to Read: Engaging Reads for Reluctant Readers
