As a kid I hated reading. I think it was because books didn’t stimulate my mind enough. I was distracted by thoughts and ideas swimming around in my head and after five pages I’d realize that I'd absorbed nothing. So for my entire adolescent life I barely read anything - until the day I was introduced to graphic novels.
A graphic novel is a story told entirely by a sequence of pictures and bubbles of text - commonly known as a comic book. Essentially a graphic novel is an overgrown comic book. Sometimes it’s a collection of many shorter comic issues, other times it is an adaptation of stories in comic book form.
Unfortunately, the term ‘comic book’ can carry a negative connotation for those who aren’t familiar with them. Some people assume that 'comic book' = Guy in Tights Fights Bad Guy and Wins…The End. Just because Spiderman is a cartoon comic - a Superhero - doesn't negate the fact that he is a character with emotion and passions that drive him to do the things he does, the same as a character in any novel. His actions speak to a certain audience - the same way science fiction or crime novels speak to their audiences. Spiderman's audience is usually youth, and if that gets them to read, then read on I say!
Many people don't think of comics as very important contributors to literature, but there is no other type of book that can get kids turning pages faster than a graphic novel; appealing to them with the neatly timed panels telling a story and designing an adventure in ways no other medium can. It lays out the story for you - grabbing hold of your imagination while you read furiously to find out what happens on the next page.
If you are concerned that by indulging in graphic novels your child is not developing important reading skills, be reassured that a) your child reading anything is a good thing, and b) comics offer a visually unique perspective on reading. Graphic novels are not only a great way to get kids hooked on reading, they are also a means for children of all ages to become fascinated with adventure and creativity in a way that’s directly accessible to them. Studies have shown that reading graphic novels at a young age trains the mind to be able to read between the lines more easily and pick up on the subtleties of characters' actions; to discern what isn’t written, like understanding a characters motives. So not only are graphic novels a great way for kids to get into reading and have fun doing it, they help kids grasp the greater ideas behind what it is to read and enables them to enjoy it.
My passion for animation was stimulated by my interest in graphic novels as a young person. When I looked at comics growing up, I tried to mimic the artist by copying the panels. It taught me a lot about drawing and art which got me started into my computer animation career. I might not have been reading fine literature when I was young, but my reading skills were being shaped and cultivated just as much as if I had been reading any other type of book. Now, as an adult, I enjoy all genres of fiction and non-fiction as well as graphic novels written for adults.
Children who are having a particularly difficult time reading traditional books may benefit in additional ways from reading graphic novels. Growing up I had a friend who struggled with dyslexia. He told me he used to read comic books exclusively because he found it easier to associate the words with the pictures. Instead of forcing himself to read paperback novels (which were frustrating) he was drawn to graphic novels which helped him learn to read faster and with more confidence.
As with anything, discretion should be used in letting your child decide which graphic novels they will read. There are a lot of adult graphic novels out there that aren’t appropriate for a younger audience, but there are also a lot of excellent choices for younger readers. Owly by Andy Runtan is a perfect selection for children just starting out, and Bone by Jeff Smith is also ideal for young kids and adults alike.
Jason Hopkins is a 12 year veteran of the computer animation industry. He graduated from VFS in 1997 and has since been working on a wide variety of projects. He currently works in Vancouver and his favorite kids book is Green Eggs and Ham. He's currently in love with the comic series Wolfman by Robert Kirkman (not suitable for a younger audience).
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