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Comic books vs. books

I think that comics have their place, but it isn't on equal footing with regular books. I'm not anti-comic at all. As a kid I read a few that my dad liked to buy for us (more like he wanted to read them, but claimed they were for us). I even read a couple of cartoons in the funnies whenever I get my hands on a paper. However, I don't think comics promote litteracy and vocabulary formation like regular books do. I buy a lot of books for my eleven year old niece. She is constantly hounding me to buy her anime graphic novels instead. I just won't do it though, because I know that with her it won't be a suppliment to regular reading, but rather a replacement. I figure if her parents were OK with it, they'd be buying the comics for her.
 
Idun said:
A lot of people say that comic books are of a lesser value than a "real" books; that comic strips belong to a culture of pictures, so are good enough for those who spend their free time watching TV or surfing the Net. It is widely belief that comic books are an obstacle on the way to reading something more serious; that they are mostly aimed at children, and adults, who are wise enough to appreciate literature shouldn't waste time on them.

Is this opinion true? Or rather: is it a rule? Can one person be a bookworm and a comic books fan?
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I don't believe this at all, especially when I have always been an avid book reader and someone who has enjoyed comics. Many of the people I know and have associated with online are also people that enjoy both books and comic books. I am a long standing member on a forum for a certain horror comic writer in which many of the members very much enjoy and appreciate serious and respected literature.

I'm not entirely sure that I know, or have ever known, anyone that only reads comic books.
 
I never was into comics when I was a kid. I wouldn't say that they are beneath books, but I would say that they are a different sub-section of reading in general. I have a history book that is essentially a comic book and it works wonderfully with kids who have reading problems or some other issues. To me, anything that promotes interest in reading(no matter how light or less complex) is a good thing. At least it's a start. When I see kids eagerly wanting to read aloud the section on Jay's Treaty, I can't help but think that it's a good thing.
 
I think some comic books are up there with even the greatest of novels. Especially if you're reading things like The Watchmen...ect, a book like that is definetly not a waste of time or on par of watching T.V or playing video games, like some people like to relate comics too.
 
Sequential storytelling is a very old art form. As a comic book writer, it is very challenging. You must tell a story within a very limited confines.
You must be able to script individual scenes and the overalll scenes of the pages and then direct the artist to effectively communicate your vision.
You must have an eye for the dramatic and for good art/color work.
Is it harder to write than prose? I would say it's just different.
 
Is this opinion true? Or rather: is it a rule? Can one person be a bookworm and a comic books fan?
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In terms of helping younger students(boys in particular) there is no comparison, comics win hands down. After that point.......
 
comics vs. books

As a child I had difficulty in reading. My parents took me to a reading specialist. The specialist reccomended comics to stimulate my
interest in reading and encourage my reading skills.
I hear that this is seeing a comeback to encourage children to read!
 
mwumbalope said:
As a child I had difficulty in reading. My parents took me to a reading specialist. The specialist reccomended comics to stimulate my
interest in reading and encourage my reading skills.
I hear that this is seeing a comeback to encourage children to read!
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Comics are just about the best thing for heping kids learn how to read, or deal with reading problems. I'm not against them at all. Heck, for the price, I'd say it's the ultimate "bang for the buck" reading wise there is!.
 
If it takes a comic book to get a reluctant reader to read, then hey, let's go buy a tall stack of comics! I've seen some pretty sophisticated material presented in comic book format. I remember my first grade teacher telling my mom about her son who had trouble reading, and how she bought him stacks of comics and he became an avid reader. So knows? I certainly wouldn't knock them.
 
I was addicted to comic books when I was a kid. You will get no apology from me as I loved reading them. We would "trade" books among a few friends. I sure wish that I had those books now, they would be worth a lot of $$$$$$. :)
 
muggle said:
I was addicted to comic books when I was a kid. You will get no apology from me as I loved reading them. We would "trade" books among a few friends. I sure wish that I had those books now, they would be worth a lot of $$$$$$. :)
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See, proof positive these things don't warp everyone:D
 
muggle said:
I was addicted to comic books when I was a kid. You will get no apology from me as I loved reading them. We would "trade" books among a few friends. I sure wish that I had those books now, they would be worth a lot of $$$$$$. :)
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Well, not necessarily. Unless you've got the really old ones, and you've got them in mint condition, you won't find good money for them. I've got a whole stack I want to unload, but would be hard pressed for get good money for them, for the following reasons:
1. It's not the early 90s, when the comics industry was at its peak, and everyone was nuts.
2. You're hard pressed to find collectors nowadays.
3. I don't have the really old notable issues. The ones I do have that I think is worth more than your regular newspaper are the ones I want to keep anyway. :D

ds
 
direstraits said:
Well, not necessarily. Unless you've got the really old ones, and you've got them in mint condition, you won't find good money for them. I've got a whole stack I want to unload, but would be hard pressed for get good money for them, for the following reasons:
1. It's not the early 90s, when the comics industry was at its peak, and everyone was nuts.
2. You're hard pressed to find collectors nowadays.
3. I don't have the really old notable issues. The ones I do have that I think is worth more than your regular newspaper are the ones I want to keep anyway. :D

ds
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Are the ones from the 40's and 50's worth anything.
 
comics

Pick up a price guide for any questions on the value of a book.
You can also have them graded in value by a professional to determine this.
I once was in a comic book story and a man came in and said that he found a comic in his parents garage in a trash bag. He layed it on the counter and it was a book with the first appearance of Spider Man. The book was in good shape and very valuable. Lucky for him, the owner of the store was an honest man and directed him on what he should to to sell it properly.
 
muggle said:
Are the ones from the 40's and 50's worth anything.
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The things to remember about comics when it comes to value are:
1. Condition - the book must be close to new (termed 'mint', 'near-mint', 'good', plus others, I forget) for it to be worth anything. Unless you have something very very rare, your comics isn't going to be worth much if it's not in at least near-mint condition.
2. Significance - the comic must contain an event of note for it to be sought after in the first place. Example would be what mwumbalope said about the issue being the first appearance of Spider-man. Or the first appearance of a major villain, Spidey's marriage issue (which I had, but traded off. I have not stopped kicking myself all these years). Or a first issue of a very old and popular comic series (Amazing Spider-man #1, Uncanny X-Men #1). Or whatever.

Something from the 40s or 50s should be worth something (see point 1 - nobody wants toilet paper grade comics). I'm not sure if the price guide will list comics so old, but it's worth a shot. Regular price guides include mags like Wizard.

Easiest, though, is mwumbalope's suggestion to take it to comics shops. See what they say and get the best deal.

ds
 
Idun said:
A lot of people say that comic books are of a lesser value than a "real" books; that comic strips belong to a culture of pictures, so are good enough for those who spend their free time watching TV or surfing the Net. It is widely belief that comic books are an obstacle on the way to reading something more serious; that they are mostly aimed at children, and adults, who are wise enough to appreciate literature shouldn't waste time on them.

Is this opinion true? Or rather: is it a rule? Can one person be a bookworm and a comic books fan?
Click to expand...
In Fact I am Not so sure Comics are AIMED at Kids anymore (I.E. See Superman Prime Kill Violently by the way Pantha,Wildebeest and Bushido....Punched Panthas head off (Shown) Heat Vision to the Torso (Shown) Cut in Half (Shown) I would not let anyone UNDER 13 read this book)

Can you read books and Comic books How do you think I kearned to read Novels and understand BIG words? Comics young Adults Can and Should read both I think
 
I believe in some cases that is true, but I can name several comics that I consider to be just as good as books. Some people have trouble visualizing the descriptions in books; comics just make it easier for them.
And yes, I am guilty of stashing many a manga in my bookshelves.... ^^;;
 
Anyone else read Tintin comics? They were the only ones I liked as a kid, I'd give anything to be able to swear the way Captain Haddock did. Billions of blistering blue barnacles and so on, what a guy.
 
Idun said:
A lot of people say that comic books are of a lesser value than a "real" books; that comic strips belong to a culture of pictures, so are good enough for those who spend their free time watching TV or surfing the Net. It is widely belief that comic books are an obstacle on the way to reading something more serious; that they are mostly aimed at children, and adults, who are wise enough to appreciate literature shouldn't waste time on them.

Is this opinion true? Or rather: is it a rule? Can one person be a bookworm and a comic books fan?
Click to expand...

The is difference between comics and books but it's the same as apples and oranges. Just two different forms of entertainment is all. I have loved both for years.
 
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