In “Tapping Into Parallel Universes: Using Superhero Comic Books in Sociology Courses,” Hall and Lucal argue that there are other non-traditional and engaging mediums (comic books) that can be used to discuss relevant topics and themes that occur outside of the classroom. In McCloud’s TED talk, he argues that “comics are a visual medium that try to embrace all of the senses within it” (audio 7:40). Comics can depict meaning and resemblance in different ways to tell stories that we have heard or stories that have similar content to others. Yang’s TED talk on the importance of comic books in the classroom discusses how visual elements are essential for understanding the meaning, text, and tone of a text (audio 7:59).
I agree with all three artists that comic books are an essential part of learning, especially for student who are visual learners. During grade school I wasn’t given the opportunity to read comics because they were seen as “too easy” or immature for school. I remember my brothers and uncles being really into comic books but they never caught my attention because I thought they were only about superheroes. It wasn’t until high school that I found out comic books can tell a story about anything, even serious topics. I think that if my teachers used comic books during history classes or literature, the subjects would have been more fun and engaging for everyone. I don’t think that teachers should only teach in a traditional manner because not all students learn the same way, some need more visual stimulation than others and comics are a good way to satisfy that.
If comic books are an essential part of visual learning and understanding, why do teachers deem them as “too easy” for their students?
Graciela Rivera 