While some surround themselves with leather-bound classics in huge libraries, Ohio University '05 graduate David Canario immerses himself daily in the medium of literature he loves most: comic books.
A long-time employee of Universe of Superheroes, 19 W. Washington St., Canario has been enamored with this form of literature since childhood.
For many, the love of comic books goes beyond mere pop-culture recognition. The medium itself has a sophistication that warrants this admiration, Canario said. He recognizes the stigma placed upon comic books as solely meant for children, but points out that even from the beginning, the medium of graphic literature has delved into dark and sophisticated storylines.
There are so many political and social and personal themes explored in comic books
Canario said.
Comic books and graphic novels have jumped off the shelf and into the classroom because of such themes. Professors even incorporate this medium into their courses. Kristofer Poland, an OU graduate student and former teacher of political science 101, uses several graphic novels as reading material for his class. A personal fan of comics and graphic novels, Poland believes that they are relevant in modern politics. He said he uses the medium to provide a more interesting spin on his material.
When you have characters and a story there is a simple building block G? to build a discussion with that you don't get from a standardized text book
he said.
From books to the big screen
Comic books and graphic novels have experienced a recent surge of popularity because of their adaptations for the big screen. For Canario, it is no surprise to him that big-budget studios such as Columbia Pictures and 20th Century Fox have taken on the medium as a way to produce and market films based off of comic books and graphic novels. Their popularity has not gone unnoticed, but for serious fans like Canario, the film versions of the beloved reads do not provide the same satisfaction.
I enjoy the comics more than the movies. The movies you have two hours ' (the graphic novel) Transmetropolitan
I have five years
Canario said.
Sandy Plunkett, an Athens County resident, is an artist and comic book writer who has previously worked with DC, Marvel and Gold Key comics. While a fan of the films based off the Spiderman and X-Men comics, Plunkett remains devoted to the medium in its original form.
Comic books are wonderful because they demand so much of the reader. Most of what's in a comic book isn't there ' it happens between the panels
and you're forced to bridge that
Plunkett said.
Critiquing the art
Graphic novels are subject to similar praise and criticism. In the past several years, numerous blockbuster films have been based off graphic novels, and in 1992, a graphic novel by Art Spiegelman became the first of its kind to win a special Pulitzer Prize.
But some are wary of this medium. Plunkett said he wonders what is being lost in the immense focus being placed on the intricate storylines rather than on the visuals.
Someone has to fill 300 pages and they're not thinking visually ' they're thinking literally
he said.
Stephen Richter, another local artist, wrote, drew and self-published his own graphic book. Smoog and the Eye of the Trillagryyn, a fun-loving story about a little dog's adventure, captures an element of the medium not seen as of yet, he said. While many graphic novels deal with adult themes such as sex and violence, Richter utilizes younger audiences through more innocent subject matter and hopes that publishing companies will do the same.
We also have the softer side for our younger readers or people who just don't care for all of that violence
he said.
