Conclusion

The array of personality graphic novels bring with their diverse and inclusive characters, narrative elements, and themes can make up crucial childhood memories and remain important for every generation, no matter age or personal experience. These elements would be important in discussing the legitimacy in any piece of text, and a significant reason as to why graphic novels and comic books are always discounted is because of the illustrations they use and how they can carry meaning over words. However, if the reader can isolate this aspect of storytelling, it can be more appreciated.

New heroes, same stories.

Themes

The themes we can identify through the unique portrayal of narrative elements are what make these stories appealing to different age groups and backgrounds. When I would read those Spider-man stories, I would always feel inspired to save the day or to do a good deed for someone close to me. I didn’t realize it then, but these were the themes of the stories having an impact on me. Some of these themes can be easy to miss to those more separated from the genre. If the reader is used to comics or graphic novels then you can likely use the text and images to get a better understanding of the author’s message. However, those “unfamiliar with the format… will more likely skim the novel and focus only on the images,” (Elizabeth M. Downey - Graphic Novels in Curriculum and Instruction Collections). This is common and is not a critique, but it’s a call to attention of a frequent mistake that can be easily avoided. “Think of themes as the backbone, providing structure and meaning. Every piece of literature carries themes, waiting for readers to uncover their layers,” (Dreamer’s Creative Writing - “What is a Theme: Definition and Examples”). When we think of themes I think the idea of giving the story layers is most closely fitting with the different aspects of graphic novels. Themes can stick out easily in these stories which is often seen as a factor of how simple the novels are. However if we don’t immediately assume this is a bad thing, then we can maybe get more out of the themes in these stories than we may be able to with older and more complex literature. Since the themes concocted with these stories can come across as barren, when we examine them given the history of the art of the genre, then they can be meaningful and personal.

Narrative Elements

In many cases, the stories these graphic novels tell involve narrative elements that are fast paced and filled with lots of excitement. However, if we are able to consider the context in which these stories are written, we can see the importance of their plot despite the fantasy aspects they incorporate. We can consider the graphic novel as a form of visual literature. There is an argument to be made that the literary validity of graphic novels depends upon the specific ways in which it is able to tell a story. Since much of the storytelling is provided through imagery, the criteria we use is not all the same, (Jan Baetens - “Graphic Novels: Literature Without Text?”). Analyzing the material elements of the story can be more in line with other genres if we examine the ways in which the images interact with the subtext provided. In most graphic novels, this interaction is seamless and the more seamless the author is able to make it the wider the audience they can appeal to. This seamlessness is the reason the genre was able to grab my attention from such a young age. Graphic novels and comics also often use flurries of allusions to other works and cultural references. When you make note of these references and investigate why they are there, this can play a crucial role in the narrative, (Press Books - “12.7 Analyzing Graphic Novels”). This evidence is very important in respecting this genre because it shows us how there are still positive elements shown in the storytelling even if the way it goes about showing them is more reliant on images than text. If we can ignore the stereotypes against the cartoonish vibe of graphic novels, then we can take into account the severity of the stories they want to tell through combining artwork and text.

Characters' Impacts

No matter what point you’re at in your life, there is always a way that these characters can have a positive impact on your life.. The characters in comics can be role models and inspirational for readers of any age. Many times, the positive characteristics of the protagonists are made more dramatic in these stories to appeal to a broader audience. If the argument I want to make considers the narrative elements of graphic novels and comic books more seriously, then one of the most impactful elements I can talk about is the impact the characters have as the story progresses. This links back to my initial statement claiming the validity these characters bring to the genre as a whole. There are many negative arguments that go against using superheroes to tell stories that should inspire younger generations. However, there is evidence that suggests the positive traits kids observe when reading these stories can contribute to their external behavior, (Sean P. Connors- 'The Best of Both Worlds': Rethinking the Literary Merit of Graphic Novels). When these stories first gained popularity in America, they experienced public backlash and outrage for many years before people were able to realize the benefits of indulging. Now, so many of these characters are considered legends in American culture and are effective among all generations since their birth. This is important because it highlights the positive and negative aspects of the “superhero” character, and how they represent the way youth adapts to the real world as they grow. Also, the diversity these stories bring give characters from all backgrounds a stage to flourish and be a hero, (Paul Randall Adams - “Unmasking My Heroes: The Power of Community and Representation in Comic Books”). Seeing a familiar face in such a situation is something any kid could use. This child-focus is the same reason this evidence is also relevant to adult readers. Nostalgia can attract attention and remind someone older of a time where they may have been able to enjoy it more. The characters are not perfect, but they can give unity to our youth and meaning to our culture.

Intro Pt. II: Personal Experience

Being able to bury my face in the stories these books told became a safeguard for me, and it became a way for me to clear my head when my young brain couldn’t handle the stress I was feeling. My experience with graphic novels (or comic books) is very personal. The connection I had with one of my very first rooted much deeper than just being excited to read the words on the page and examine the enthralling artwork. The story of how I got the book comes at a time in my life when I was much younger and in love with everything having to do with Spider-Man. My grandma was well aware of that, so she decided to surprise me with a collection of 15 different Spider-Man stories inside one book. Being the easily entertained little boy that I was, there were few other things that would have made me so happy. After we bought the book we drove home to a warm dinner that my Grandpa had prepared. This only added to the experience. In this instance, I was given an unforgettable memory. Knowing the effects it had on my life and knowing of so many diverse stories that are available to read, I think considering this genre as literature is a very important determination to make. 

My Past With Graphic Novels

Since a very young age, the idea of graphic novels, and comic books on a less literate stage, has always appealed to me. This topic is very important to me because I can fondly remember some of my most serene moments in childhood when I would be able to pick up a comic book. The stories they told were always  inspiring to me. The reason I want to argue these stories should be discussed more is because they can diversify your taste and amplify your reading experiences. While I don’t think they should be considered above other forms of text, I do think that if we can take them seriously it affects how we absorb the stories they tell us. They give us a much needed break from the challenges of reality.  Graphic novels provide a unique lineup of characters, narrative elements, and themes that give it a very easing and inspiring aura, making it a very important genre to all kinds of readers.