What is a graphic novel/comic?



Graphic NovelsSept. 12, 2018Kirsten LarsonWhat is a graphic novel/comic?Lots of definitions:“Sequential art” (Will Eisner)“Images juxtaposed in deliberate sequence in order to convey an idea and/or an aesthetic response.” (Scott McCloud)“Art in relationship” (to other art or words) (Comics: Art in Relationship)Characteristics:multiple images meant to be read in a certain ordercombination of text and images (but could be wordless)must tell a storyWhy graphic novels (from Shannon Hale): )They provide an important transition book from picture books to chapter books.They provide a storytelling hook for visual learners of any age.They are the most likely kinds of books embraced by "reluctant readers."They teach kids to interpret sequential art, a brain-taxing activity that teaches visual literacy, valuable in our increasingly graphical world.They allow younger kids to stretch their reading abilities. (e.g. the vocabulary in?rapunzel?and?jack?is above most 4-8 year-olds, but younger kids are still willing to read them and can understand because the text is supported by visual storytelling. People I know who are life-long comics readers tend to have amazing vocabularies, and an advanced vocabulary is important for literacy.)They require a different kind of brain work than reading prose and much, much more brain exercise than watching a movie.Kids who will only read a certain genre of prose novel are more likely to leave their genre comfort zone for a graphic novel than a prose novel. A kid only reads fantasy? Offer a non-fiction or realistic fiction graphic novel.Readers with disabilities, English as a second language, and other obstacles have often thrived with graphic novels.Advanced readers also thrive with graphic novels, gaining insight from analyzing text-and-picture storytelling and uses of the visual medium. It's a highly creative exercise.P.S. They're also fun.Growth of Graphic Novels:Multiple genres today: graphic memoir (REAL FRIENDS), history/historical fiction (MARCH series or NATHAN HALE’S HAZARDOUS TALES), as well as fiction. Also, multiple age categories (adult, MG, YA).Often appear on bestseller lists: DIARY OF A WIMPLY KID (Jeff Kinney), DOG-MAN (Pilkey), CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS (PILKEY).Win awards: EL DEAFO By Cece Bell (Newbery nominee), MARCH: BOOK 3 (Lewis) won National Book Award for Young People’s Literature; in UK Sabrina first graphic novel to compete for the Man Booker prizeNew graphic novel imprints: Random House Graphic, DC unveils new graphic novel line.New, dedicated kids’ graphic novel section at Barnes & Nobel.Sales of graphic novels continue to grow—with kids and YA graphic novels the fastest growing segment (Publisher’s Weekly 2017)Writing the graphic novel:First, some terminology…. (see handout on Graphic Novel/Comic Terminology) Uses a script (like a screenplay): See Dark Horse Comics script template.Now you try!Sources:Jessica Able and Matt Madden, DRAWING WORDS & WRITING PICTURES (2008)Scott McCloud, UNDERSTANDING COMICS (2001)Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, MAKE COMICS LIKE THE PROS (2014)Comics: Art in Relationship online course: Horse Comics script format: ................
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