Comics in the Library

Dr Matt Finch and Kings Comics presented "Comics in the Library" offering some great suggestions of activities, events and why graphic novels/comics are valid, fun and indeed, an integral part of your Library collection.
This presentation was held at Penrith Library, 11th October, 2012.

Matt Finch, described in his own words, is an community outreach consultant with expertise in finding and shaping narratives for staff, stakeholders and the wider public. He is also a storyteller and leader of workshops to inspire readers and writers across the ages from four years old to forty. He teaches comic workshops to teens who would like to make their own manga.

His presentation covered a wide range of information pertaining to comics and graphic novels. He actively encouraged Libraries that don’t already keep a collection of graphic novels, to consider this format for inclusion. Here's why:

• Graphic novels, or comics, are a valid form of reading, attracting a different demographic of reader.
• It is a format that can encourage reluctant readers to read something.
• The medium of comics range from the very simple cartoons to sophisticated adult comics, covering a wide range of subjects and themes.
• Comics are often associated with the teenage boy market, but comics are for girls as well. Try Queen and Country by Greg Rucka with various illustrators.
• Comics are different from conventional literacy using both words and images. They have drawings and speech bubbles. You think differently when presented with this format.

The diversity and influence of comics and graphic novels was illustrated by these examples:

• Snoopy. Everyone knows this icon character from the peanuts cartoon. He never speaks, yet manages to convey a wealth of information to readers- the point being that a character doesn’t need words to be literate.
• Preparedness 101 Zombie pandemic. Don’t panic, its not imminent! This was a promotion dreamed up by the US Centre for Disease Control, assist Americans to prepare for real life endemics. It certainly got their attention, with the CDC issuing a statement refuting the existence of zombies.
• Comixology. Digital comics online. Comics are still easier to read in comic book from , rather that online.
• Little Golden Books have Marvel Little Golden book Favourites, featuring The Mighty Avengers/The invincible Iron man/The Amazing Spiderman.
• Movies inspired by comics, including Judge Dredd, Batman and Tamara Drewe.
• Unusual comics: Bedroom Farce by Alison Bechdel.
• Nick Sousanis is currently undertaking his PhD. written in comic book form.
• Ubby’s Underdogs Australia's first Indigenous graphic novel, by Brenton E McKenna.
• Commando comics
• Guy Delise’s Pyongang, A journey in North Korea is described in this review as an “anticommunist manifesto”. Check out the book trailer.
• Blankets an autobiographical graphic novel / Coming of age memoir by Craig Thompson.
• Pop culture: Angry birds, which uses a comical style of stylized wingless birds, is an immensely popular and addictive game.
• Colleges are using Comics to assist in learning.
• Fresh Comics from Alfriston College
• Comic book month at Auckland Library Service
• Gotham Comics started by Gary Bishop (an ex-librarian), runs workshops, and publish comics.

To introduce or raise the profile of graphic novels in the library, Matt Finch presented some interesting and effective ideas he has used that could be implemented in the Library at low cost, including the suggestion of cartoon workshops, similar to Trevor's drawing workshops, that are held by Kids.

Kings Comics

Stephen, the Library Liason from Kings comics, discussed why graphic novels/comics are an integral part of the Library collection, and how this relates to other formats such as movies and gaming.
Comics, and popular culture are crossing over concepts, with comics being adapted to gaming, movies, and television. A lot of comics are aimed at the male reader, with a 60% male, 40% female audience. The audience age is primarily between 18-40 years. The rise in Sci-Fi, fantasy and horror have affected this, with the creation of comics such as “The walking dead”, ( A post apolyptic zombie series, also a television series). This is because more females watch horror movies.


Graphic Novels and crossover into other formats.

Reading of graphic novel versions of books can encourage crossover to the original text only version of these books. Stephen King’s Graphic Novel series, include The stand and Dark tower stories. Orson Scott Card ‘s Enders game has also been adapted into graphic novels. other formats that encourage crossover include movies, video games and gaming.

Movies:

Often movies have been made of comic books. Examples include: Comic: Batman, Knightfall- the movie: The dark Knight rises. Watching the movie may encourage the customer to want to read the graphic novel/comic, which may lead to other reading experiences.

Video games/Gaming:

Both graphic novels and games are primarily based on visual storytelling. Both have introduced colourful characters into mainstream. Both have also been accused of being pointless entertainment and harmful influences. They are both successful fixtures in pop culture, and a major influence to both film and television. A customer may be familiar with a video game, which may spark an interest in reading the graphic novel version.
Gaming graphic novels(tie- ins) add to the gaming content and are integral to building the game universe for players. They can be considered a storyboard for the game, an example being Halo.

Free Comic book day

This is held the first Saturday in May, with participating Comic book stores (including Kings Comics) giving away comics for free!! Mark this date in your calendar.

Useful Links
Diamond Comics Great place to find previews, and there is a section designed for Libraries to assist in the set up of a Graphic Novel collection.
Australian Cartoonists association keep up to date with the latest news.
Kings comics Contact Kings comics for help in setting up a graphic novel collection in your Library. Check out the latest news in the comic book world, and find new material for your collection.

Monique