Ironman Movie 2009
Comics for extra credit – Part 2
My first post about comics as an educational aid generated an interesting response – from the director of the Classical Comics, a comic book company in the UK. Not to be confused with Classic Comics, often teasingly referred to as a study guide for literature classes college here in the State, Classical Comics turns classical literature into high-quality visual graphic novels.
Founded two and half years ago, Classical Comics first title was Henry V, in November 2007, followed by the launch of a Macbeth graphic novel in February 2008. The Macbeth title received the endorsement of the Shakespearean actor and former Star Trek, The Next Generation star Patrick Stewart. Upcoming titles for the remainder of 2008 include: Jane Eyre, Frankenstein and A Christmas Carol. Seven new titles are planned for 2009.
Unlike previous educational efforts, Classical Comics titles come in four text options: the original text Part or romance, translation of simple text, a quick text for younger readers, and a blank text where readers can fill in the captions and bubbles. The first titles are also accompanied by detailed study guides, aimed at the British equivalent of grades kindergarten through high school. Although the titles are very new to the company have collected data from readers, the original version would probably be designed for students of ninth and tenth with translations to be more popular with younger readers. I know better soon, as the company sent me a box of titles. I was told that it will be a very heavy box!
Classical Comics, Managing Director Karen Wenborn, a trader and self-professed avid reader said that the first titles were well received because of its high visual quality, substantial feel (Brightness of the paper and hardbound graphic novels) and efforts to be true to the period of history. See covers for the titles at Classical Comics website art and action are quite similar to the modern superhero genre. Wenborn noted that past efforts to represent classical literature in comics have faltered because the artwork had not been updated, she added that although the titles are being reprinted in the original art, its largest market in the UK is nostalgia buffs, unlike students and educators.
I agree with Karen that visual quality is essential to the success of these titles. Super heroes are really "old" characters in the United States, for example, Batman and Superman characters from the 1940s. Spider-Man, Hulk and Ironman are creations of early 1960s. However, these hit titles, not because they were made in cartoons and movies, but because their look has been considerably freshened up appeal to adults (who bought the titles as kids) as well as children. Celebrities of 1940 and 1960, had to move with the times, as well as technology.
The graphic novel of a classic book, by comparison, need not be "updated", but the artistic techniques, combined with historical research, make the true story of when that occurred. The reader will be comparing their first exposure to these stories with movies that use computer-generated images. A book of simple text without illustrations or one of the original comics will appear dull in comparison with children visual representations see today in comics, video games and movies.
However, Karen explained that Classical Comics are more expensive to produce than similar graphic novels, because of research required for powerful visual translations, as well. I see only two obstacles to success: cost to schools versus one more book traditional (that is serious in times of tight budgets in U.S. public schools) and past beliefs about comics among individual educators. I have to ask if the librarians can be a strong market for U.S. expansion, as they are more likely to promote the entertainment value of reading teachers. However, if I were a teacher, and especially if I were the head of a school's English department, I was trying to negotiate a fair price in the original text and the basic versions these books. I know they would attract students to read other titles on their own.
Karen told me that the titles have been well received in the UK after receiving the endorsement of Shakespeare for Kidz, an international nonprofit organization that provides Shakespeare education to children through a variety of media, and the National Association for the Teaching of English.
I look forward to seeing such evidence and review it for you.
About the Author
Contact Stuart Nachbar at
Educated Quest
, a blog on education politics, policy and technology or read about his first book, The Sex Ed Chronicle, a novel on education and politics in 1980 New Jersey, at
Sex Ed Chronicles
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