The Battle against Government, Family and Culture in the Graphic Novel Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi and the Article Two Revolutions by Wendell Steavenson
Comics and graphic novels are a form of visual storytelling that combines images and text to tell a story They are typically serialized, meaning that there is a continuous plot that unfolds over multiple issues or volumes. Comics and graphic novels are often seen as a medium for children and young adults, but they are increasingly gaining attention from those of all ages and backgrounds.
Comics and graphic novels can range from the lighthearted, humorous adventures of superheroes, to the poignant and complex tales of real-life events. They can explore themes of friendship, love, history, and politics. While they are traditionally made up of panels, some comics and graphic novels are created in strip or ad format.
The five best examples of comics and graphic novels include:
1. Maus: This Pulitzer Prize-winning series by Art Spiegelman tells the story of the author’s father’s experiences during the Holocaust. Maus blurs the boundaries between a comic and a novel, and is a powerful and moving exploration of humanity’s capacity for both evil and good.
2. Watchmen: Written and illustrated by Alan Moore, Watchmen is an influential and complex graphic novel that explores the nature of morality and power. It has been described as a “reimagining of the superhero mythos” and is widely considered to be one of the greatest comics of all time.
3. Persepolis: This autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi tells the story of her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Both poignant and humorous, Persepolis is an exploration of the upheavals of youth, set against the larger backdrop of political upheaval.
4. Fun Home: Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home is a groundbreaking graphic novel that tells the story of her childhood and her relationship with her father. It is an exploration of gender and sexuality that was the first graphic novel to be a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.
5. Black Panther: Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, this series reimagines the Marvel Comics classic. It is a nuanced and powerful exploration of the African nation of Wakanda, and the legacy of T’Challa, the Black Panther.
Comics and graphic novels are a vibrant and captivating form of storytelling that can explore a host of themes and experiences. From Maus to Black Panther, these five examples are classic examples of the genre, and highlight the power and potential that this art form holds.