Ms Marvel Lindsey Dawkins

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Graphic novels are the future of reading. Visualization is such a huge part of reading, and I think it is oftentimes hard for students, or the casual reader, to make a movie in their heads. With graphic novels, the “movie” is there for them. They are also way less intimidating than typical novels, but they still convey a thematic message. I think what is the coolest about graphic novels is that they help foster a different skill set altogether. “Close reading” becomes much more involved with graphic novels, because there are so many different details the reader needs to pay attention to, in order to understand the plot. For example, in Ms. Marvel, there are several instances where the colors convey a deeper meaning. In part or chapter 3 of the graphic novel, Kamala is sitting with family, and they are wearing traditional headscarves. The women sitting by Kamala are wearing headscarves that are a dull brown, or tan color. Kamala’s is bright orange. It is vibrantly orange. This is both an indication of Kamala’s personality, and an indication of Kamala’s existence in both traditional culture, and the culture outside of that, since her headscarf does not necessarily match those around her. She is depicted later with that same scarf around her neck, and it literally appears to flow like a cape, which of course, is reference to her identity as a superhero. Graphic novels are full of “Easter-eggs” and I think it’s intriguing that they scattered throughout the graphics. I think these types of books are beneficial for two reason; they will hook the reluctant reader, and they will push the avid reader out of their comfort zone and require them to use a skill set in a more complicated way.

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 10, 2017 at 4:32 PM

    I agree that graphic novels are the future of reading! They truly do accommodate readers who can't quite get the hang of visualization. You're right about close reading being taken to a whole new level with graphic novels. Color is always important! Great blog!

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