Do you think comics are a children’s or adult genre / media?
Varnum, R. & Gibbons, C. (Ed.). (2001). The Language of Comics: word and image (p.x.).
I believe comics are more suited to being a children's and youth genre/media. My reasoning for this is that a lot of the content of the comics I grew up with had simple and easy to read narratives and dialogue. For example: Archie comics, Romance comics, Ripley's Believe it or Not! Another example is a you tube video presentation by Joshua Hayes discussing 'Batman'; (worth listening to) stating that originally Batman was created for children (see 2.44). I believe comics were geared towards children and youth. McCloud S. 'Understanding comics,' (p.3). defines comics as "cheap, disposable kiddie fare."
'Tintin' debuting on 1st November 1928 was a supplement for children though it veered off towards a more adult market with it's political themes, issues and events of the times, controversial topics and racially biased pov's and cliches (until Herge had been introduced to art student Chang Chong-chen, who enlightened him to see beyond the biased stereo-typical prejudices of the times that Herge himself had held beforehand. (p.51). Farr believes as far as Tintin was concerned, its popularity was universal. He stated Tintin's character was such that it appealed to both children and adults alike. Farr also observed that children enjoyed Tintin's exciting adventures as well as its farcical moments. He suggested adults would enjoy the political satire, use of puns, parodies and Herge's extraordinary and uncanny ability to foresee events before they occurred (Farr. 1991). Considering Herge was a perfectionist and thorough in researching information as well as keeping a compilation, he deemed useful to him in later issues, I have to wonder if he also read and kept the book of Nostradamus as a valuable resource and reference.
Comics were a great novel way of engaging and maintaining children's interests in reading, making reading a fun concept with it's images and easy-to-read format. Comics would have easily appealed to children who disliked reading and ordinarily would not have been motivated to want to engage in reading. I believe that comics back in the 60's would have been at the height of their popularity more so than now. Children today are more interested in electronic forms of entertainment such as tablets, where they're able to engage in an interactive experience as well as a gaming console that allows them to play at being a comic book super hero, as opposed to merely reading about them. We live in an age where people want instant gratification and as Batman would say; "Time is of the essence!" some people may opt to watch a movie and see their comic book hero spring to life on the cinematic screen or LCD screens. Of course, when it comes to comics, there'll always be the avid collectors, ardent fans and the sci-fi fans probably similiar to the likeable characters from 'The Big Bang Theory' who tend to live and breathe their favourite characters and many of these fans most likely attend the many sci-fi and fantasy conventions born from the popularity of comics. For example: Armageddon in Auckland and events like Comic-con in the states and events like the 'Comic Book Month' being held here at Auckland libraries during this September.
'Tintin' debuting on 1st November 1928 was a supplement for children though it veered off towards a more adult market with it's political themes, issues and events of the times, controversial topics and racially biased pov's and cliches (until Herge had been introduced to art student Chang Chong-chen, who enlightened him to see beyond the biased stereo-typical prejudices of the times that Herge himself had held beforehand. (p.51). Farr believes as far as Tintin was concerned, its popularity was universal. He stated Tintin's character was such that it appealed to both children and adults alike. Farr also observed that children enjoyed Tintin's exciting adventures as well as its farcical moments. He suggested adults would enjoy the political satire, use of puns, parodies and Herge's extraordinary and uncanny ability to foresee events before they occurred (Farr. 1991). Considering Herge was a perfectionist and thorough in researching information as well as keeping a compilation, he deemed useful to him in later issues, I have to wonder if he also read and kept the book of Nostradamus as a valuable resource and reference.
Comics were a great novel way of engaging and maintaining children's interests in reading, making reading a fun concept with it's images and easy-to-read format. Comics would have easily appealed to children who disliked reading and ordinarily would not have been motivated to want to engage in reading. I believe that comics back in the 60's would have been at the height of their popularity more so than now. Children today are more interested in electronic forms of entertainment such as tablets, where they're able to engage in an interactive experience as well as a gaming console that allows them to play at being a comic book super hero, as opposed to merely reading about them. We live in an age where people want instant gratification and as Batman would say; "Time is of the essence!" some people may opt to watch a movie and see their comic book hero spring to life on the cinematic screen or LCD screens. Of course, when it comes to comics, there'll always be the avid collectors, ardent fans and the sci-fi fans probably similiar to the likeable characters from 'The Big Bang Theory' who tend to live and breathe their favourite characters and many of these fans most likely attend the many sci-fi and fantasy conventions born from the popularity of comics. For example: Armageddon in Auckland and events like Comic-con in the states and events like the 'Comic Book Month' being held here at Auckland libraries during this September.
Reference
Farr,
Michael. (1991). Tintin: the complete companion (p.6).
London: John Murray.Varnum, R. & Gibbons, C. (Ed.). (2001). The Language of Comics: word and image (p.x.).
Thanks. I really enjoyed your answer. Interesting the range of opinion in the blog group, with many seeing comics as more useful as a kids genre, but others considering them a more useful vehicle for adult narratives. I agree that TinTin embraces both audiences. Nice references and a strong opinion. And a reasonably well supported argument. Good. PS - thanks for the reminder about Auck Library's Comic Book Month :)
ReplyDeleteI do agree to how you see that Tintin is for both children and adults. Some story boards of comics have characters put in a 'adult' or a mature situation majority of the time. This is something for adults to enjoy in their spare time for sense of humour i guess just like how you have explained. :)
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