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Literary Legitimacy of Comic Books and Graphic Novels

As dubious a debate as it is among most modern comic book fans, there is indeed a list of what are known as the best comic books and graphic novels in history.

One reason why the knowledge and recognition of such works is not widespread is that hardcore, traditionalist scholars of the past had looked down on comics and graphic novels. These academics refused to recognize them as a form of literature based solely on the fact that the text is accompanied by illustration. Some historians, such as Dr. Fredric Wertham even went so far as to lead a crusade against comics which saw a temporary ban in place and several publishers nearly lynched. This witch hunt gave birth to the “Comics Code Authority”; a decency watchdog that enforced comic book censorship.

Thankfully since the year 2000 more and more publishers have rejected the CCA s standards and it has all but disappeared after 50 years of existence.

The narrow minded views of the past have not only changed, but reversed with modern day historians. Many modern authorities have not only recognized comics and graphic novels as legitimate art forms, but have applauded many works as great examples of literature in general. This new recognition has spurred a boom in the mainstream acceptance of comics and graphic novels in Hollywood and in classrooms, libraries, and book stores nation wide.

Any educator or knowledgeable figure who continues to refuse to recognize the legitimacy and value of comics and graphic novels is not only sorely out of touch with the world around them.

Debating the value of comics and graphic novels and whether they are literature has now become laughable, but not for the same reasons as it was 50 years ago. In the past it was laughable to consider them literature; today it is laughable to even consider that they might not be.

If you ask any real, legitimate scholar with any knowledge of graphic novels at all they can give you a clear example of what literary professionals have recognized as some of the best comics and graphic novels in history.

Below is a list of 10 such great titles. If you have any question in your mind as to whether or not comics are legitimate literature read at least half of these books and there will no longer be any doubt in your mind.

Maus – By Art Spiegelman

The Spirit – By Will Eisner

Watchmen – By Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

V for Vendetta – By Alan Moore and David Lloyd

Blankets – By Craig Thompson

Bone – By Jeff Smith

Portraits from life – By David Collier

Creepy Comics – By Warren Publishing

Uncle Scrooge – By Carl Barks

Mom s Cancer – By Brian Fies

Whether purists or academics like it or not comic books have earned the respect and recognition of scholars and proven their value to the literary and educational world.

Over time the misconception that comic books are only about men in tights and aimed at children is disappearing and comics are being accepted as legitimate by the mainstream public. This is not only good for the comic book industry and its historians, but also the population in general, who thanks to wider acceptance will be exposed to a wider range of creative influence and intellectual stimulation because of it.

Article Published: Saturday 7th April 2007