Graphic Novels 101: How the Comic Book Has Evolved – High School Presented by: Jim Barnes Cloquet High School

Agenda Introduce Comic Books/Graphic Novels What are they and why use them? What are they and why use them? How can we use them? How can we use them? Ideas for books on various topics Ideas for books on various topics Useful Links Useful Links Show Examples Questions??? Action Comics #1

What is a Comic Book? A sequential book, comprised of words and pictures, usually printed monthly in soft cover Examples: Superman or Batman Examples: Superman or Batman Graphic novels typically collect a story full of comic book issues, also called collected editions, but can collect an original story as well Examples: Bone or Persepolis Examples: Bone or Persepolis Comic short story anthologies Example: Sandman: Endless Nights Example: Sandman: Endless Nights The Japanese format is referred to as Manga Example: Pokeman Example: Pokeman

Why Use Graphic Novels? Gets reluctant readers to start reading Gives students confidence to read other formats Visuals allows for better understanding of concepts Visuals allow for the use of tougher and more demanding vocabulary Can be used as an alternative to other formats There is a Graphic Novel for almost every class and topic – literally thousands of books and growing

Statistics Behind Word Use The average graphic novel has 2x the vocabulary of children’s books The average graphic novel has 3x the vocabulary of a conversation between an adult and a child

Standard Comic Page 468_full jpg What do we see?

Having Trouble Reading Graphic Novels? Graphic Novels require learning a new way to read Requires active participation Requires active participation Reader must make connections between images and the text and create the links between each panel and page as a whole. Reader must make connections between images and the text and create the links between each panel and page as a whole. This is referred to as “reading between the panels” and is vital in interacting with and succeeding in our multimedia world. This is referred to as “reading between the panels” and is vital in interacting with and succeeding in our multimedia world. If you’ve ever struggled to make the connections in reading a graphic novel while a teen reader whizzes through it, you’ve experienced how different this type of literacy is. If you’ve ever struggled to make the connections in reading a graphic novel while a teen reader whizzes through it, you’ve experienced how different this type of literacy is. Manga is read backwards and right to left (native) Manga is read backwards and right to left (native)

How to Read a Page? Step 1 Read the captions from left to right and top to bottom. Sometimes the conversation is layered because the characters are speaking back and forth. Step 2 Be attentive to what words are being used. Since comic books have very little dialogue, it is important to see what carefully chosen words the author has selected. The writing will be extremely clear and concise. Step 3 Examine the pictures first on a superficial level. Most of the story will actually be told through the graphics. Notice the characters, what they are wearing, the setting and any action being depicted. This will fill in some of the details left out of the text.

How to Read a Page? Step 4 Dig deeper into the picture. Notice the use of color, shadowing and facial expressions. Think about common dichotomies, such as white and light colors = good, black and darker colors = bad, smiles = happy feelings and frowns or eyebrows drawn in = sad feelings. Step 5 Infer the transitions. You will need to examine the next frame the same way you did the first, then infer, or figure out, what details probably tied the two together. Unlike a book or movie, a comic is more of a snap shot portrayal of a story that moves from frame to frame.

Standard Comic Page Revisited 468_full jpg Do we noticed anything different? If so, what?

Some Common Misconceptions Comics and graphic novels are only for kids – Average age of readers is 30 Graphic Novels are GRAPHIC - There are Graphic Novels to suit children and adults of all ages Graphic Novels involve superheroes only - There are graphic novels to suit almost every genre from superhero to western and everything in between Graphic Novels are for reluctant readers - Graphic Novels are for everybody Be sure to look over the book before giving it to a student

Comic Subgenres Humor Teenage crime WesternWar Science fiction RomanceKidsMysteryHorrorFantasy TV show & video game comics Alternative (underground) comics Superhero comics

Tips for Using Graphic Novels Use them to supplement a unit Use them as an alternate reading source Use them to differentiate a lesson

Graphic Novels for Various Subjects and Topics Nuclear War The Watchmen The Watchmen Greek History and Mythology Neil Gaiman Presents The Twilight of the Gods and Other Tales Neil Gaiman Presents The Twilight of the Gods and Other Tales Promethea Promethea Age of Bronze: Volumes 1-3 Age of Bronze: Volumes 1-3 Colonial America 1602 World War I & II Enemy Ace - Various Maus 1 & 2 The Gremlins

Graphic Novels for Various Subjects and Topics Continued Middle East Pride of Baghdad Pride of Baghdad Persepolis 1 & 2 Persepolis 1 & 2 Fairy Tales Fables Fables Jack of Fables Jack of Fables Names of Magic Names of Magic American Born Chinese American Born Chinese Sandman Sandman Action Heroes League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volumes 1 & 2 Indiana Jones Omnibus Star Wars – Various Titles Tomb Raider

Graphic Novels for Various Subjects and Topics Continued Edgar Allen Poe The Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allan Poo The Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allan Poo In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe Haunt of Horror: Edgar Allan Poe Haunt of Horror: Edgar Allan PoeScience DC Essentials: Metal Men DC Essentials: Metal Men Hip Flask & Elephantmen Hip Flask & ElephantmenHolidays Scary Godmother It Ate Billy on Christmas Jingle Belle Batman: Haunted Knight Video Games & TV World of Warcraft Halo Heroes Sonic the Hedgehog

Marvels Classic Illustrated Titles Kidnapped Last of the Mohicans Pride and Prejudice Moby Dick The Iliad The Odyssey The Man in the Iron Mask The Picture of Dorian Gray The Three Musketeers The Wonderful World of Oz Treasure Island