Altering Perspectives: How the Implied Reader Invites Us to Rethink the Difficulty of Graphic Novels

Connors S. Altering Perspectives: How the Implied Reader Invites Us to Rethink the Difficulty of Graphic Novels. Clearing House [serial online]. January 2012;85(1):33-37. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed June 20, 2017.

This article addresses the effects of predisposed opinions on the validity of Graphic Novels as a learning tool for readers at the secondary level.  The author used a control group of "pre-service" teachers in a young adult literature course to explore the opinion of educators regarding Graphic Novels as a viable source of literacy.  While the opinions on the subject varied greatly, the author observed that the background of the pre-service teacher greatly influenced their position.  Those who had never been exposed to the Graphic Novel format dismissed the work as juvenile or less challenging, giving little thought to the visuals (artwork, typography, page layout, etc.) and the role they play in enhancing the overall narrative.  On the other side of the argument, the subjects with previous exposure to the Graphic Novel format were more receptive to the validity of the literature and were more likely to recognize the value of the visual elements included in the work.

As both an educator and a life-long comic book aficionado, I have a very strong opinion regarding the validity of Graphic Novels, comic books and their value as a tool of literacy.  I believe my lifelong interest in writing, fiction, etc. is born specifically from this format.  I consider myself to be well-read, well-spoken and of considerable creative spirit.  I have read Graphic Novels and comic books that have made me excited, angry, laugh and cry.  I have been introduced to incredible scientific concepts, psychological insights and words that have increased my vocabulary exponentially.  And while I could debate the validity of this format ad nauseam, I would rather use this space to warn against the dangers of educational bias and remind any who would read this that we are ALL lifelong learners. As educators, we should be open to new experiences and careful not to pass our predisposed opinions onto our students.