bermudaonion (Kathy)
Beth F
Sandy
Jennifer
Michelle
BTT: Not Too Graphic
Last Saturday (May 2nd) was 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”.
As you might be able to guess by the title I decided to give today’s post, I have not really read a ton of graphic novels. In fact, I’m fairly certain that the only one I’ve ever read is “The Shiniest Jewel” (see my review), which was actually a graphic memoir. This isn’t because I’m opposed to the genre, or think that it isn’t really reading or anything like that. I don’t even have a personal dislike for it, as I did really enjoy “The Shiniest Jewel,” it simply just isn’t what I gravitate towards. I do have “Maus” on my TBR pile and am dying to read “Persepolis,” but I can’t think of any other graphic novels or memoirs that I have any particular desire to read.
I’m sure this stems from the fact that I was never much into comic books (other than perhaps the occasional Archie). While comic books and graphic novels clearly aren’t quite the same thing, I’m not sure exactly where the difference lies. I would assume that graphic novels tend to have more sophisticated, involved plots and are generally without the serialized nature of comic books.
Funnily enough, although I am not really into comic BOOKS (or even so much their cousin the graphic novel), I do have a few select comic strips that I make a point to read every morning over my breakfast. My favorites are those that are smart and through a little satire my way, get my brain functioning in a fun way. An example of one of my favorites (along with Pearls Before Swine, Get Fuzzy, and Rudy Park):
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I haven’t read many graphic novels myself. I found in Jodi Picoult’s novel The Tenth Circle that the graphical portions got in my way a little bit. However, I really did love Maus and Maus II. I think that graphics really added something that can’t be quantified to those novels. I think that you will love those like I did.
Literate Housewife’s last blog post..Announcing the Winners of Boneman’s Daughters!
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I forgot Persepolis too! My mental TBR of graphic novels has grown quite a bit today.
I also love internet comic strips. I think it’s easier because they require so much less attention. It’s only a couple of minutes rather than a whole book.
Meghan’s last blog post..BTT: Comic Books
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I haven’t read a ton of graphic novels, but I loved Epileptic by David B. It is incredible.
Jess’s last blog post..Talking with Joshua Henkin
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I’ve got some tips on my post about how to venture into the world of graphic novels, if you’re interested in doing so. I’m very much a literary fiction person myself, so I had to first get a glimpse into the artistry behind them and then I could appreciate them as a wholly separate type of art, rather than comparing them to novels (which helps me).
You can check out my post here.
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I’ve read a few graphic novels. I think that there is one for everyone and my list of graphic novels to read is always growing.
~ Popin
Popin’s last blog post..Graphic
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I loved Archie comics when I was a kid. While I don’t dislike graphic novels,I do prefer the character development of a regular novel.
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I feel I am in a similar boat as you. I have nothing against the graphic novel, but have read none. I need to…I acknowledge that. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the comic Swamp Thing (don’t ask me why) but there is where it ends. I like Dilbert. I am really reaching, aren’t I?
Sandy’s last blog post..Fun at Barnes & Noble
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I liked Persepolis a lot. I think I will check out a few.
My BTT post
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