There have been those kids who keeps comic books from the popular franchises DC and Marvel. Through the years there have been dramatic changes in the way comic books are designed. Many readers enjoy the new comics it helps them relive their childhood, however many parents do not want their kids to read them. Comic books in the 50’s to early 60’s were very bright and in the end of the comic the hero always prevails. Comic books from the 90’s till now are very dark and depressing where the hero may defeat the villain, but the hero may die. In Michael Chabon’s proposal named “Kids Stuff” Chabon argues that comic books are not as kid friendly as they used to be. Comic books should be read more because when kids have lower self-esteem because they aren’t strong readers that can discourage them from wanting to read. But graphic novels are a great way to promote literacy.
Chabon reflects on his childhood comic book, stating that comic books “are not aimed for children anymore”. Many agree with Chabon’s proposal. If comics today are no longer aimed towards children, then why would they have an interest in reading them? Chabon states that, “comics are to a wider and older audience than ever before.” (913) In the proposal Chabon contrasts two different comic book covers. The cover on the left (914) is a modern-day Batman cover. The cover to the right (915) is a Batman cover from his childhood. Chabon offers this contrast to illustrate for the reader the difference on the two comics.
New and improved technology may have a small impact on whether a child picks up a comic book, but many believe the content of newer comic books is what is driving children away. Many readers may think the reasoning on why Michael Chabon wrote this article is that he has a very large passion for comic books, which he has had all his life, and he would just like to see children enjoy reading comics today just as he did. For example, in the proposal Chabon states that “Children did not abandon comics; comics, in their drive to attain respect and artistic accomplishment, abandoned children.”
Michael Chabon made some very good points about comics in his article. He believes that if an author took a different approach and created a comic book to a younger audience, then the chances of a kid picking up a comic book and reading it for his or her own pleasure would increase. He thinks that kids would still find comics interesting. Chabon mentions his 10-year-old son liking comics now, and how important comics are to himself as well. Comic books are rarely bought by young kids now, they more less play video games then purchase and read comic books. Comic books should be read more because when kids have lower self-esteem because they aren’t strong readers that can discourage them from wanting to read. But graphic novels are a great way to promote literacy.
Frank Dockery 