Comics and the Rise to Adult

The following excert from Understanding Comics The Invisible Art by Scott Mc Cloud 1993. is an example of how comics have been stereotyped as a lowly genre when in fact there are different qualities of comics just as there are different qualities of fiction. I have fallen prey to this stereotpe initiated by my teachers over the years. But I have overcome my bias and now recognize there are quality comics. And am particularly delighted comics have evolved and acquired a new name - the graphic novel, which undoubtably is a marketing ploy.

Two that I would highly recommend are first - Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin 2007 for the upper elementary or middle school level. And second - Babymouse Queen of the World by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm 2005 for lower elementary.

Oh and getting back to Scott's book. I highly recommend it. I was enthralled with his presentation of different ways to understand and explain comics, their history, and the differences between comics in Western and Eastern cultures. A 215 page history and philosophy of comics in a comic book.

The following excert hammers the present separation of textual and visual communication in our "school" culture.

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arrow added for emphasis!