Graphic Novels-BlogVIII-AmyRose

Overall Claims by Versaci-tool and McCloud are both useful sources for future teachers. Versaci-tool points out that these tools introduce learners to formal study of literature. Aside from engagement, comic books also help to develop analytical and much needed critical thinking skills. Graphic novels suggest and allow students to think more or differently about artistic value and how it adds depth to storyline.  McCloud a cartoonist who loves science believes in the visual magic of comics. McCloud is a “scientific mind” working in the art realm of education through comics. One of the most important things about comics is that they are a visual medium that try to embrace all of the senses within it! What a stimulating subject and spin on reading literature!! Different elements such as words, symbols and visuals in between are all funneled through the same conduit of vision. Language and visuals are valued and represented realistically or abstractly to readers. Calling upon students to recognize familiar symbols or icons and as they read through spaces, they move through time. Media provides a re-entrance to a world through multiple windows. When this is provided it allows people to triangulate the world we live in and see its shape. It would be wonderful to read a graphic novel as a class and then have them finish or make a prequel to the plot along with illustrations.

Being a visual learner, I gravitated and read graphic novels as a child. Captain Underpants was a favorite. This genre study did not change the way I read but did inspire using them in my future class as a tool. I would have never considered this as an topic. However I fell graphic novels would reach and interest the whole student base, even the non-readers.

Reading graphic novels compared to other course content this semester was a blast. Again I was able to consider a subject that would be immensely helpful for more than just one topic of study. Students will be able to appreciate or understand the use of artistic symbolism and value of depth. The feeling that they would not have achieved from simply reading a text.