Many students are reluctant readers who feel that texts studied in school are altogether inaccessible. Their lack of enthusiasm for a text to which they have no attachment can be misinterpreted as apathy or laziness. Contrary to appearances, students are often avid readers but in a less than traditional manner. Their preference: comic books.
The recent glut of superhero, comic book, graphic novel, and fantasy movies that make fortunes at the box office seem to show that high school students are willing to interact with a story that appeals to them. So how to take this enthusiasm into the classroom? Some simple steps point the way.
Step One – It’s Just a Book
Many teachers approaching comics/graphic novels for the first time are not sure where to start. An effective strategy is to treat a comic or graphic novel just like any other book. Graphic novels have all the elements of standard English course fare: characters, plot, theme, etc. Take all the strategies, character analysis for example, that would apply to a novel such as To Kill a Mockingbird and use them on a graphic novel.
The two questions to answer from the get go are “why are you reading this comic” and “what benefits do my students get from this format”? Answer these two questions before going any further.
To learn how to read comic books, check out Scott McCloud’s seminal work on the subject How to Read Comic Books.
Step Two – Utilize your Resources
Many times students will be better versed than teachers in all things comic related. There is no shame in allowing a student to deliver a lecture on background for a character or on comic books in general. Ask any interested student if he/she would be interested in creating some kind of lecture or activity, or serve as a resident expert while the class studies comic books. This will help students buy into what the class is studying.
Step Three – Keep it Fun
Remember, comics are supposed to be fun. While students may be more inclined to read Batman than they would be, say, Dickens, the last thing they need is a teacher that takes the “wham” factor out of the work. Comic books are based on myth, fun, and graphic design. No need to take things too seriously.
Step Four – Know Your Material
Not all comics are created equal. As with traditional novels, there are some that are less appealing. A responsible educator will do his or her research. Here are some groundbreaking comics and graphic novels to check out to get things started. As always, be sure to check with administration before proceeding.
Watchmen – Drawing from Latin maxim “Who Watches the Watchmen”, Alan Moore’s 1980s classic shows us heroes that are all too human despite having extraordinary powers. An example is what might have happened if Peter Parker hadn’t learned the lesson that with great power comes great responsibility.
Batman: Year One – 300 and Sin City scribe Frank Miller examines the beginnings of Batman and his crime-fighting career. The art and dialogue bring a realism to the genre not seen previously. Additionally, this story was used as source material for the film Batman Begins.
Persepolis – Coming to theatres later this year, this real life autobiography of Marjane Satpari traces her road to freedom and examines race relation and immigration.
Marvel: Civil War – The newest title on the list with a title that says it all. The Marvel Universe is confronted with a choice: registration and “licensed” agents of the state or imprisonment/fugitive status. With freedom at stake the lines blur between right and wrong and Captain America is caught in the middle. Lots of room for discussion of patriotism, ethics, and choice with this one.
Kingdome Come – High art meets comic books. Yet another landmark work blending classical oil paintings of Alex Ross for each frame, this DC graphic novel brings religion, war, patriotism, and responsibility to the forefront as the Book of Revelation is told through the eyes of Superman and friends.
While there is a tremendous upside to using comic books in the classroom, make no mistake, comics are not just for students who need remediation or who are not smart enough to read “real” books. When taught properly, comics are just as academically and intellectually challenging as any work of classic literature.
 |
