Comics and literacies
There are a number of ways of thinking about what we do when we read graphic novels/comics and how they work. This section highlights the key thinkers and useful texts that will help teachers and pupils to understand the grammar of graphic novels/comics. In addition, it outlines how the medium can be seen as developing literacy.
These texts will show how they work, which could be used in a theoretical context as the basis of more sophisticated comic creation in the classroom or to develop the critical reading abilities of students.
Scott McCloud
A comic in itself, Scott McCloud’s (1994) Understanding Comics is a teaching tool as well as a theorisation of how comics work. McCloud points to the underlying functions and structures of comics, suggesting that the key to defining the comic is to remember that it is a medium, not a genre.
Will Eisner
In Comics and Sequential Art (1985), Will Eisner highlights the way in which comics are read not just in terms of moving from speech bubble to speech bubble, but also in terms of page composition and in the expressive qualities of the lettering.
Further reading
The following Word file contains a list of additional reading material on the subject of graphic novels and the comic medium:
Word file: Further reading material (graphic novels)Useful links
Would you like to find out more about graphic novels/comics using online resources? The following list contains links to a range of helpful websites.
Bugpowder is an invaluable guide to small press comics. This website contains links to artist sites and those of larger non-mainstream publishers.
Comic Book Resources provides an online previews catalogue and news items about comics and graphic novels. It covers a large range of small press and more mainstream producers.
The Comics Journal covers the comic medium from an arts-first perspective. The organisation is owned and operated by Fantagraphics Books, a leading publisher of alternative comic books.
LTS: Modern Foreign Language Environment contains details on creating your own comics, including tips for taking suitable photographs.
Comic Art Collection by Michigan State University maintains a useful online catalogue of comics.
Page 45 is a Nottingham-based online comic shop. The website provides good reviews of graphic novels and comics.
Classical Comics is a UK publisher creating graphic novel adaptations of classic literature, including Shakespeare. The website has samples, study guides and other free downloads.
VIZ Media is one of the major manga publishers in English. Its website is highly informative.
Topica hosts an interesting discussion forum for librarians on the subject of graphic novels.
Titan Books is one of the world's largest publishers of licensed film and television publications and graphic novels.
Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries is a website designed by Steve Raiteri to help librarians who may want to add graphic novels to their collections but have difficulty locating information about them.
Gosh! Comics is the website of an online comic vendor which provides good reviews of newly released material.
Paul Gravett: Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga has articles, books and details of events relating to comics and graphic novels.
Dr Mel Comics - the website of Dr Mel Gibson, comics scholar and consultant, has details of her articles and research and a handy assessment document for graphic novels.
Diamond Comic Distributors: Bookshelf resource can help educators and librarians discover how comics can become a dynamic and positive addition to any classroom or library.
Librarian's Guide to Anime and Manga contains a collection of resources for librarians.
Anime Web Turnpike highlights the trends for anime and manga.
Comics Research primarily covers book-length works about comic books and comic strips, from fan-based histories to academic monographs, providing detailed information and guidance on further research.
2000AD provides information on all things 2000 AD, including films and music.
Beano contains a number of features to accompany one of Britain's most famous comics.
Comics2film is a website dedicated to comics that have been turned into films.
Friends of Lulu aims to promote and encourage female readership and participation in the comic book industry.
Sequential Tart is a comic webzine made by women. This website looks at a wide range of issues and publications within comics in general and on women creators.
Image copyright © details: author(s): Jen Van Meter, Christine Norrie and Chynna Clugson, publisher: Oni Press