The Graphic Novel and Comic Books

[Julien]

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.