Simplicity always pairs up with a little amount of sophistication. This irony very well suits our protagonist – Graphic Novel. It is simple yet profound and complex. This contemporary literary phenomenon has managed to turn heads these days. Largely because of the Superhero comics.
Graphic novels have also been prejudiced as not owning the potential to be an integral part of the literary world. But history tells us a different story. This medium of literature has been unassumingly around us since ages. Prehistoric cave paintings, tapestries from the Middle Ages and illuminated manuscripts stand witness for this. The great works that emerged during the Renaissance Era have created a serious impact in the way art should be perceived. The creations of legends like Michelangelo and Da Vinci stand the test of time.
This medium has constantly evolved over years and has reached the present state of being a powerful medium. The main reason for this is simply because anything visual has 90% more impact than text form. A study from the University of Oklahoma vouches that graphic novels may improve memory and be more effective in teaching students than a traditional textbook.
In fact graphic novels make kids who deter textbooks to voluntarily pick up the habit of reading. They are not glorified comic books, though. But they stay distinguished by the substantial use of imagery along with text to tell a story. The whole concept of graphic novels for kids was Initially aimed at English language learners and students with learning disabilities. Now that their potential is being realised, more and more regular classrooms are adapting graphic novels to teach different subjects for students at all levels.
They turn out to be wonderful learning tools simply due to the visual impact they create on our brain. Graphic novels are not just picture books. Text plays a vital part too. But they have to be crisp and catchy. With the right words and illustrations working together, they make learning fun and quick. The graphics give an overview of what the concept is about and this cheers the child to read the whole thing, especially helps kids who dread books.
Graphic novels are not only distinguished literary forms. They are turning into effective learning medium that have the scope to make any subject appealing. May it be teaching tricky math concepts or telling story through artwork, this medium of illustration is sure to echo in the coming.