According to Horricks (2004), how have perceptions of comics as a media changed?
According to Horricks (2004), in 1950 there was a great influence of comics on young readers, which was a great concern to the “anti-comics campaign of USA, Britain and New Zealand parents, teachers and politicians” (Horricks, 2004, p.3). As a result, the issue was raised in magazines, radio and even parliament. As Horricks (2004), states that Bill Pearson wrote a letter which stated “if we ban the comics we are reducing the chances of war and preventing the further preventions of the worlds children” (Pearson as cited in Horricks, 2004). However, comics have come back now and continue to influence people especially young readers. Media, offcourse, plays a major role in making comics so popular as Horrciks (2004) affirms, that comics can be seen or reviewed in the pages of New York review of books, graphic novels etc. which have also been awarded through media.
It appears that comics have become an important part of English literature and Art courses as it is present in English courses and Art History in University Art departments in America, Britain as well as New Zealand. In fact, Horricks (2004), states that even the “anti-comics” have published comics in recent years. Horricks (2004), also blames media by saying that media has been responsible for “eroding the most fundamental habits of human civilized living” (Horricks, 2004, p. 3). This shows that Horricks (2004), believes that media is fully responsible in both ways in grinding down matters and then brining them up again, that is to say, it was media through which comics lost its place and it was media which brought out comics again through many forms of art, such as video games, TV internet etc.
References:
Horricks, D. (2004). The Perfect Planet: Comics, games and world-building. In Williams, M. (Ed.), Writing at the Edge of the Universe. Christchurch: University of Canterbury Press.
I would also like to point out that comics are read on a smaller scale these days. There are two possible reasons for this. One is that the media no longer see a problem with comics and because of this the public are no longer interested. The other is that because television/internet are so widespread, the public do not see a need for comics, in which case the media see no reason to debate the perception of comics.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, one of the biggest Hollywood moneymakers is the reliving of Marvel Comics. Two of 2012's most hyped films are comic adaptions, Tintin (under the direction of film legends Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson), and The Avengers. These films are helping to revive the industry but I do not think it an exaggeration to write that less people seem to read these days, whether they be comics or fiction or non-fiction!
However, the proof is in the pudding - perceptions of comics have most definately changed for the positive, for they are now an established art form, even taught at higher education.
Hi Aafia and Helen,
ReplyDeleteGood points made. With everything popular it has its day. Fashion, music, and books in particular. I think comics are a true example of this. It had its day and then things like gaming (play station) took over that buzz. And during this time like Helen mentioned less people seem to read these days which would include comics. Perhaps with the new generation being accepting of older things now than they were say ten years ago or so children are maybe more open to looking at comics as a new cool (retro) thing to do and not be embarrassed by it. It is seen as an art form now and not just children's stories. Also as mentioned The Avengers and other such superheroes are making a come back from comics into film which has created this acceptance of comics as the originator of these great films.
hi guys,
ReplyDeleteit's good to read Aafia has made a good point.
I agree with Helen, media is a main reason there 's not much demand for comics,eventhough other things such as books just like Jenna said. At the very first, people love to read comics by enjoying those artistical darwing and read them in anywhere while people wait for a bus or in the rest time, but now, internet has been taken the benefit of reading comics.actually, people lose the fun while they read comics online.