Sunday 1 September 2013

Reading Historical Fiction Graphic Novels

By Amanda Baird


In the best historical fiction graphic novels a gripping fictional story unfolds with vivid illustrations, using a backdrop of some significant event or period in history. These books have the structure of a traditional fictional story but the reader is exposed to other times and places through a combination of illustrations and text.

A graphic novel is not to be confused with a comic. Unlike a comic, it resembles a traditional novel in length and tells a complete story. The story uses both illustrations and text to move the story forward and this gives it an almost movie-like appeal. This type of book should not be underestimated in its literary value. Of course, as with every other genre, some are more skilfully constructed than others. There are those that are so well written and illustrated that they find themselves on bestseller lists.

The authors of these books often do a great deal of research into the period of history about which they are writing. By becoming familiar with the period or event they are writing about, they can accurately portray the way the characters think, talk and act. They have to have the skill to weave the story and the history together in such a way that readers do not feel they are being hit over the head with the research. The goal is to entertain while at the same time allowing the reader to wonder what it would have been like for them if they had lived in that time and place.

These books deal with topics from ancient history through to modern times. The Grecian Olympic Games, the Roman Slave Trade and the Egyptian pyramids are just some of the topics covered in ancient history. World wars, kings and queens, presidents and their wives, explorations and even serial killers are all brought to life in these books.

The number of titles written in this format is expanding rapidly due to reader interest. There are books available for every age group, from children to adults and many of them are available at online bookstores. They vary widely in content and as with every other genre, some are better than others, offering a more vivid sense of the past with its horror, intrigue and triumphs clearly revealed.

The use of illustration to tell stories has been used since ancient times. Illustrations help those who find it difficult to create mental pictures in their heads as they read. The combination of text with visualization creates a world the reader can enter into without difficulty, engaging them in a unique way.

Such books are therefore often valued by teachers as they may revise the opinion of a student that history is a boring subject. They provide a tool to teachers for making the past more accessible and relevant to their students. Reluctant readers may also be encouraged to try such a novel, rather than having a wade through a heavy text filled book.

Historical fiction graphic novels are gaining in popularity. They not only provide readers with great stories but have the added impact of detailed illustrations. This helps to bring history to life in an entertaining manner. There is no doubt that they have a valid place amongst all the other forms of literature available today.




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