Give a hoot, read a comic

Judd Morse Staff Writer

April 30, 2008 05:02 pm

— Getting children to read can often be a harrowing task. But it’s also a very necessary one. Many studies have shown that strong writing skills are directly related to strong reading skills, both of which are essential in today’s world. But how does one get a child interested in reading, when there are so many other distractions out there? What can compete with television, the internet, video games and so on?
Comic books.
Comics are an extremely fun and engaging form of creative writing, able to appeal to almost anyone. Comic books have been a part of our culture since the early twentieth century, and have amassed a legion of lifetime fans.
Broken down, comic books are essentially morality tales. Right versus wrong, good versus evil, that kind of thing. Heroes sometimes possess otherworldly powers (Superman), or are ordinary people, driven by a need to protect (Batman).
But often the most appealing aspect of comic book heroes is the soap opera of their lives. Spider-Man’s alter-ego Peter Parker, for instance, is often called the “lovable loser” by fans and creators alike.
He’s a sympathetic character who never catches a break, but never waivers from what he knows is right, and always stands up for what he believes in.
Young readers are often drawn into the fantastic realm of super hero comic books. They promote reading, they’re action-packed and fun to look at, and they also have a good message.
Parents should try to take advantage of events like Free Comic Book Day and allow their kids to sample some of the books without having to buy anything. And who knows? Maybe parents will find something there that catches their eye as well.