The Graphic Novel and Comic Books

wolfbittenpoet · 03-17-2011, 05:59 PM

I think Maus is the first book I did a report on in about third grade. I've read and reread it so many times. I found the whole way it was done impressive.

Comic books are the first books that I ever would read. Even with dyslexia I could work out things. Now unless if I'm tired or writing you'd never know.

Do you find simple black, white and grey art more powerful? Or color?

Is it true that the "Golden Age of Comics" is the pinnacle of the genre or truly a bygone age that allowed for further growth?

julieisafemme · 03-17-2011, 06:09 PM

Wow in third grade!!! I read it as a young adult before I had converted to Judaism. My child is in third grade and I think it is too sophisticated for her. We went to see Rango yesterday and she did not love it. The whole movie was full of references to Clint Eastwood westerns. It went totally over her head. I think Maus would be the same way for her. Although the impact of the cats, mice and pigs is pretty simple. I don't know. I think I'll wait a bit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfbittenpoet

I think Maus is the first book I did a report on in about third grade. I've read and reread it so many times. I found the whole way it was done impressive.

Comic books are the first books that I ever would read. Even with dyslexia I could work out things. Now unless if I'm tired or writing you'd never know.

Do you find simple black, white and grey art more powerful? Or color?

Is it true that the "Golden Age of Comics" is the pinnacle of the genre or truly a bygone age that allowed for further growth?

wolfbittenpoet · 03-17-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

Wow in third grade!!! I read it as a young adult before I had converted to Judaism. My child is in third grade and I think it is too sophisticated for her. We went to see Rango yesterday and she did not love it. The whole movie was full of references to Clint Eastwood westerns. It went totally over her head. I think Maus would be the same way for her. Although the impact of the cats, mice and pigs is pretty simple. I don't know. I think I'll wait a bit.

The first time I read it I did not fully comprehend everything. I understood the holocaust happened and was horrible. I understood World War 2 and it's impact but then I was in the heart of reunification period. And my grandfather had told me about concentration camps and liberating the oppressed. By the time I had reread it again in fifth grade I understood more.
But I did have my nieces read it at 4th grade or so. Yes they had questions but I felt they were ready for it.

Soft*Silver · 03-17-2011, 06:28 PM

Like WBP, I read books when I was a child that most adults wouldnt tackle ( Ann Ryan anyone?) And like him, I grasped some, but not all. I would re-read later and grasp more. Not until an adult would I get it all. But I think those early moments with the book opened consciousnesses that I already had, was born with, and would have laid dormant for years if not forever had I not with childlike innocence, caressed them to open like spring buds. What came later burst forth larger concepts that didnt need to strain.... the light had already been released.....

dont be afraid to expose goodness to children. They will mix it together and artistically make intelligence out of it....

Nina · 03-17-2011, 06:23 PM

I have only read one graphic novel...and, I apologize in advance, if this does not fit the discussion (I fear it does not)...still--on the odd chance

it is "Hereville How Mirka Got Her Sword" by Barry Deutsch

I admit to not ever enjoying comics...reading the bubbles while interpreting the drawings is all to much for me, so my reaction to this was the same...made all the more painful (for me) by my massive disappointment with the story itself...one I got because it was touted as a novel about an ortodox girl who wanted to fight trolls...I do know that this thread is for the graphic novel and it's form and not to discuss the content so much of the story...suffices to say that I experienced the graphics to only further upset me as it illustrated the story line...

(sorry if I was too 'off'--feel free to delete me) Z:)

Julien · 03-17-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nina

I have only read one graphic novel...and, I apologize in advance, if this does not fit the discussion (I fear it does not)...still--on the odd chance

it is "Hereville How Mirka Got Her Sword" by Barry Deutsch

I admit to not ever enjoying comics...reading the bubbles while interpreting the drawings is all to much for me, so my reaction to this was the same...made all the more painful (for me) by my massive disappointment with the story itself...one I got because it was touted as a novel about an ortodox girl who wanted to fight trolls...I do know that this thread is for the graphic novel and it's form and not to discuss the content so much of the story...suffices to say that I experienced the graphics to only further upset me as it illustrated the story line...

(sorry if I was too 'off'--feel free to delete me) Z

Thanks for adding your thoughts to this discussion. I don't think it is too much to discuss the content because it all (pictures, dialogue, and other media) feeds in to reading culture through comics. I know I didn't particularly like comic books when I first started reading them. It could have been the lack of story or how it was drawn. I do think that the storyline is as important as the imagery. Sometimes it takes time to learn how to "read" a comic or graphic novel. Just as it does to learn how to "read" a film. We have to look at all aspects of the work, because we can see how culture bleeds through the artwork and the words chosen. I'd say to give graphic novels another chance. There are so much to choose from.

Here is another question do graphic novels have an age limit to who buys them or reads them? I am 48 and I love them. When I lived in Milwaukee there were comic books stores. Unfortunately there are none where I live now. If you can find a store to take your time and browse in to find a series or titles you like.

Julien · 03-18-2011, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfbittenpoet

I think Maus is the first book I did a report on in about third grade. I've read and reread it so many times. I found the whole way it was done impressive.

Comic books are the first books that I ever would read. Even with dyslexia I could work out things. Now unless if I'm tired or writing you'd never know.

Do you find simple black, white and grey art more powerful? Or color?

Is it true that the "Golden Age of Comics" is the pinnacle of the genre or truly a bygone age that allowed for further growth?

The use of color vs black and white is an interesting question. For me, I believe that each medium has its strengths for conveying the message of the content. It is the same question about color film vs black and white film. While some may consider b/w "old" I see it as having a rich context to read. In terms of graphic novels and comic books. I feel the author makes a decision to what would aid in the telling of the story. It could be said that b/w or color may enhance the story in a way that the other could not. Have you ever read 30 Days of Night? Ben Templesmith's artwork compliments the story told by Steven Niles well. The edginess of the prose and the panels heighten the suspense in the episodic novel.

wolfbittenpoet · 03-19-2011, 03:09 PM

I have read some of 30 Days of Night and I am impressed. With that series the art more then carries the storylines. It's been a while since I've given it a major look. I'll have to hit the library for it again. I find that superheroes seem to convey themselves better in color then in black and white. Perhaps because color is a vividity of life. Whereas antiheroes are better in black in white perhaps because of depth of soul.

Julien · 03-19-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfbittenpoet

I have read some of 30 Days of Night and I am impressed. With that series the art more then carries the storylines. It's been a while since I've given it a major look. I'll have to hit the library for it again. I find that superheroes seem to convey themselves better in color then in black and white. Perhaps because color is a vividity of life. Whereas antiheroes are better in black in white perhaps because of depth of soul.

hi Poet,
I like what you wrote about color vs black/white imagery. I think that color does indeed express the vividness of life. Nicely written about b/w and the depth of soul. You should go more into this, I'd like to read what you think. Wow does that sound too teacherlike? Sorry about that.

wolfbittenpoet · 03-19-2011, 03:32 PM

Teacherlike hmm no never. I will get more into it after a bit of thought. I have similar feelings about film. But then I was going to be an English major until I realized that most of the stuff you read is rubbish and things that are called classics are quite frankly dribble with few exception. Give me Vonnegut, Kerouac and comic books anyday.

Julien · 03-19-2011, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfbittenpoet

Teacherlike hmm no never. I will get more into it after a bit of thought. I have similar feelings about film. But then I was going to be an English major until I realized that most of the stuff you read is rubbish and things that are called classics are quite frankly dribble with few exception. Give me Vonnegut, Kerouac and comic books anyday.

So you were going to be an English major. My background is in Film Studies, Women's/Gender Studies, and LGBT Studies all under the umbrella term of "Modern Studies". What other graphic novel or comic book to you enjoy? Have you ever read I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, either in graphic novel form or its original novel? I didn't care for the film of the same name, it strayed too far away from the source. The graphic novel is in black/white. It was adapted by Steven Niles of 30 Days of Night fame.

wolfbittenpoet · 03-19-2011, 04:11 PM

I like I am Legend both the original book and the adaptation. It is a book about the soul of humanity being terrorized by the masses in many ways. I also find that in trying to preserve humanity he dehumanizes himself. I like most continuities of Xmen and Wolverine. And I am a sucker for anything Neil Gaiman.

I think going back to the black and white and color debate that color is for me live and vividness of life because in so many of the comics it is explosive.With black and white the storyline and emotions it evokes move the story on as much as the art. In a way comics are like the movie The Wizard of Oz in Kansas you are dealing with the people and in Oz you are dealing with emotional quandries made real on an exorbirant scale. What else is a superhero fight but an outward showing on emotional conflicts.

03-17-2011, 06:28 PM	#4
SoftSilver Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: rose cottage Posts: 5,592 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 8,948 Thanked 15,894 Times in 4,062 Posts Rep Power*: 21474857	Like WBP, I read books when I was a child that most adults wouldnt tackle ( Ann Ryan anyone?) And like him, I grasped some, but not all. I would re-read later and grasp more. Not until an adult would I get it all. But I think those early moments with the book opened consciousnesses that I already had, was born with, and would have laid dormant for years if not forever had I not with childlike innocence, caressed them to open like spring buds. What came later burst forth larger concepts that didnt need to strain.... the light had already been released..... dont be afraid to expose goodness to children. They will mix it together and artistically make intelligence out of it.... __________________ Pole bachit, a lis chuye. The field sees, the forest hears

03-17-2011, 05:59 PM	#1
wolfbittenpoet Member How Do You Identify?: Typewriter Boy Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: FL Posts: 534 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 891 Thanked 1,578 Times in 402 Posts Rep Power: 7303678	I think Maus is the first book I did a report on in about third grade. I've read and reread it so many times. I found the whole way it was done impressive. Comic books are the first books that I ever would read. Even with dyslexia I could work out things. Now unless if I'm tired or writing you'd never know. Do you find simple black, white and grey art more powerful? Or color? Is it true that the "Golden Age of Comics" is the pinnacle of the genre or truly a bygone age that allowed for further growth?

03-17-2011, 06:23 PM	#5
Nina Timed Out How Do You Identify?: unmistakably Preferred Pronoun?: dearheart Relationship Status: In love, loved and Happy, thanks for askin' Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: SF CA Posts: 1,720 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,113 Thanked 3,384 Times in 931 Posts Rep Power: 0	I have only read one graphic novel...and, I apologize in advance, if this does not fit the discussion (I fear it does not)...still--on the odd chance it is "Hereville How Mirka Got Her Sword" by Barry Deutsch I admit to not ever enjoying comics...reading the bubbles while interpreting the drawings is all to much for me, so my reaction to this was the same...made all the more painful (for me) by my massive disappointment with the story itself...one I got because it was touted as a novel about an ortodox girl who wanted to fight trolls...I do know that this thread is for the graphic novel and it's form and not to discuss the content so much of the story...suffices to say that I experienced the graphics to only further upset me as it illustrated the story line... (sorry if I was too 'off'--feel free to delete me) Z:)

03-19-2011, 03:09 PM	#8
wolfbittenpoet Member How Do You Identify?: Typewriter Boy Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: FL Posts: 534 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 891 Thanked 1,578 Times in 402 Posts Rep Power: 7303678	I have read some of 30 Days of Night and I am impressed. With that series the art more then carries the storylines. It's been a while since I've given it a major look. I'll have to hit the library for it again. I find that superheroes seem to convey themselves better in color then in black and white. Perhaps because color is a vividity of life. Whereas antiheroes are better in black in white perhaps because of depth of soul.

03-19-2011, 03:32 PM	#10
wolfbittenpoet Member How Do You Identify?: Typewriter Boy Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: FL Posts: 534 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 891 Thanked 1,578 Times in 402 Posts Rep Power: 7303678	Teacherlike hmm no never. I will get more into it after a bit of thought. I have similar feelings about film. But then I was going to be an English major until I realized that most of the stuff you read is rubbish and things that are called classics are quite frankly dribble with few exception. Give me Vonnegut, Kerouac and comic books anyday.

03-19-2011, 04:11 PM	#12
wolfbittenpoet Member How Do You Identify?: Typewriter Boy Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: FL Posts: 534 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 891 Thanked 1,578 Times in 402 Posts Rep Power: 7303678	I like I am Legend both the original book and the adaptation. It is a book about the soul of humanity being terrorized by the masses in many ways. I also find that in trying to preserve humanity he dehumanizes himself. I like most continuities of Xmen and Wolverine. And I am a sucker for anything Neil Gaiman. I think going back to the black and white and color debate that color is for me live and vividness of life because in so many of the comics it is explosive.With black and white the storyline and emotions it evokes move the story on as much as the art. In a way comics are like the movie The Wizard of Oz in Kansas you are dealing with the people and in Oz you are dealing with emotional quandries made real on an exorbirant scale. What else is a superhero fight but an outward showing on emotional conflicts.