This year, especially during these last few months, I have spent a lot more time trying to read things that are outside of my comfort zone. I typically stick to romantic fiction or young adult fiction, but I decided to start exploring the world of graphic novels. When I was younger, I sought out these kinds of books, and at some point, I just forgot about the genre. Back in January, the A&H Council brought in Bloomington native Nate Powell to talk about the wonderful world of graphic novels and his experience creating them. To prepare for his visit, I read his book Swallow Me Whole. I had never experienced a book quite like this one before. It was dark, mysterious, intense, and beautiful to the eye. I realized that I had been missing out on books like this for years.
I decided to pick up a few of his other books, Come Again and the March series. Along with these books, I grabbed Bloom by Kevin Panetta and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki. I started to notice a pattern among these contemporary graphic novels: most of them were about telling diverse stories. March, for example, is about the civil rights movement from John Lewis’ perspective. Bloom and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me both focus on LGBTQ+ couples and the struggles of being young and in a relationship. Even one I just finished yesterday, Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu, celebrates diverse women who have changed the world. It makes me wonder, what is it about graphic novels that allows for so much inclusion?
While I don’t have a definite answer, I think that graphic novels are able to allow the author/artist more creative freedom than a regular book. With the visual elements, the reader can be more immersed in the world and the characters. Maybe this is what draws in diverse artists and writers to create stories that inspire others to be themselves. If you are looking for a genre that is full of diverse plots and perspectives, graphic novels, in my opinion, are the most open and accepting of people from all walks of life. In these times of political turmoil, we need to see these kinds of stories in the spotlight. Next time you are looking for something to read, pick up one of these books, you won’t be disappointed.
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