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[Astrid]

I'm taking a class on comics (Heh heh), cleverly entitled "Seminar in Postmodernism" this semester. For my first assignment -- given on the first day of class, due on the second day of class -- I'm supposed to submit a research paper on public perception of the graphic novel medium, for which I'm supposed to interview people. So, I'd be very much obliged to anyone who'd like to reply to this post with their answers.

What do you think of comic books/graphic novels as a whole/industry?

How do you percieve comic book fans?

What is your favorite comic book? Why?

What do you think is the average age group of comic book readers?

Who is your favorite author? Why?

Who is your favorite illustrator? Why?

Do you think the unique blend of visual and literary art is a positive influence on literature, as a whole, or negative?

What do you think of the recent boom of comic book-based movies?

What are your views on traditional, superhero comics, versus those representing an average person under extraordinary circumstances? Why?




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You don't have to answer all of the suggested questions. Similarly, if you have any information of your own to add, please feel free to do so. Any responce, at all, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance :D

[Dive]

What do you think of comic books/graphic novels as a whole/industry?
Personally I feel that the "paper" medium of graphic storytelling is coming to a close. With the advent of webcomics and the ability to download almost any issue of any series really affects the printed industry. I really hope that it does not go away, there is a real difference in reading something on the web and actually holding the real thing in your hands.

How do you percieve comic book fans?
I have a great respect for anyone who reads and enjoys comics. I am not so keen on the collectors who purchase comics as an investment, and never read them or even take them out of the protective bag they may have bought it in.

What is your favorite comic book? Why?
My favorite comic is the 1995 12 issue series The Watchmen, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. This series really opened up the medium as an art form.

What do you think is the average age group of comic book readers?
18-32

Who is your favorite author? Why?
Currently I am very impressed by Warren Ellis and Garth Ennis. They are unafraid to take a look at the darker side of characters. Ellis in particular as I have been an avid fan of his personal site, where he keeps tabs on all of the strange and twisted news that pops up on the web.

Who is your favorite illustrator? Why?
Although he only does covers, Timothy Bradstreet is very unique. Utilizing photography with live models as a base, he captures a realism not attainable with conventional technique.

Do you think the unique blend of visual and literary art is a positive influence on literature, as a whole, or negative?
Positive of course. Anything that gets people to read is a good thing.

What do you think of the recent boom of comic book-based movies?
I think it is good, and may reinvigorate the staggering comic industry. You have to take the good with the bad of course, and sometimes the films are good and sometimes they are bad. Either way it is getting people interested in these books.

What are your views on traditional, superhero comics, versus those representing an average person under extraordinary circumstances? Why?
I'll read almost anything as long as the writing and art kick ass. I tend to prefer superhero related titles more often, but that does not constiute my entire collection.