Issue Discussion - Mark Blocker

I think the purpose of writing graphic novels is the fact of what the source is: comic books for lack of a general term. This can lead to demoralize hardcore readers, thinking comics are nothing more than a childish past time and never meant for something of a more broader term. And yet, comics still exist. Why is that?

Yes, in the 'silver age' of comics, the plots could be childish and silly, perhaps even dark considering where some comics have started. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began as a very dark comic book with violence and blood out the wazoo. Yet now the characters have changed for better or worse as a more prolific novel, invoking ideals and themes most ninja turtle comics don't see back then.

I myself am working on my own graphic novel, see below, and wanted to have start as such. The reason why is a matter of perspective. Simply saying that someone is going to break their car accidentally and then go to sulk about it in a story would take time and effort with wording and a sense of drawing out emotions for the characters to make them come alive. Graphic novels, however, live by the code 'a picture paints a thousand words'. The artist draws the action, the emotion the characters go through and the payoff that happens afterwards. Depending on detail, this could take roughly an hour just to create. Is it quicker than writing, absolutely not, but there is just as much, if not more, effort put into it and it would still get that same message across. Take a look at the examples and see what I mean.

Another complaint would be in regards of comics being meant for males. I would strongly disagree as most girls are fascinated with Marvel or DC characters as we are. Some even dress up as those characters in comic book conventions because of their memorability and effort to bring them out of the comics and into their lives. Of course, some comics are created with the intent of the clause entitled 'sex sells' and art can be very telling of that clause. Even certain books were created with that them in mind (need I say more with Fifty Shades of Grey?) Even today comics related to girls are pouring out to get them involved with reading. I could say it is one of the great starting points for learning.