Saturday, May 9, 2009

Booking Through Thursday/Saturday #33: Graphic

On Saturday

Last Saturday (May 2nd) is Free Comic Book Day! In celebration of comics and graphic novels, some suggestions: - Do you read graphic novels/comics? Why do/don’t you enjoy them? - How would you describe the difference between “graphic novel” and “comic”? Is there a difference at all? - Say you have a friend who’s never encountered graphic novels. Recommend some titles you consider landmark/”canonical”.

1. No, I do not read graphic novels. Yes, I do read some comics if the newspaper counts. And even then, only the Sunday ones. I do enjoy comics quite a lot because they're basically just funny pictures. What's not to like?
2. In my mind, the difference between a graphic novel and a comic is that a graphic novel is a story that, instead of being written in prose, is written in pictures. Comics are just comical illustrations of everyday occurences.
3. Can't answer that. Sorry, I suck. :P

2 comments:

  1. 1. Yes, I do read graphic novels (and manga as well.) I've also read and enjoyed all the collections - with the exception of one - of Calvin and Hobbes. I enjoy graphic novels because they're fairly unique in that the pictures are essential to the reading experience. There's also all kinds of hidden meanings and nuances in the art of graphic novels, which is interesting and makes them fun to read. I love Calvin and Hobbes because they're hilarious, and heartwarming.

    2. I'm pretty much on the same page with you when it comes to the difference between comics and graphic novels, though I think some (or maybe a lot) of people would argue with that. But it makes sense to me, so screw it. :P

    3. Titles that I would recommend:

    - Watchmen by Alan Moore (I'm sure you've heard a lot of hype about this one, especially because of the release of the movie, but believe me, it's a must)

    - Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis (if you're easily offended though, you might want to stay clear)

    - Preacher by Garth Ennis

    - Blankets by Craig Thompson

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  2. Oh, and I also forgot, but want to mention the two-volume series Maus by Art Spiegelman. They were the first two graphic novels I ever read and they're basically what got me hooked. Great stuff. :)

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Pour your heart out. :)