Comic Books and Reading

Nexus; ® Mike Baron and Steve Rude

• Assist Poor Readers
  Comics and graphic novels are excellent tools for use with children and young adults with poor reading skills.

• Connect with Visual Learners
  As educators become increasingly aware of the importance of different learning styles, it is clear that comic books can be a powerful tool for reaching visual learners.

• Develop Strong Language Arts Skills
  Several studies have shown that students who read comic books regularly have better vocabularies and are more likely to read above grade-level.

• Encourage Unmotivated and "Dormant" Readers
  Teachers often use non-book materials to encourage reading. Comic books are an ideal medium to spark interest, equate reading with enjoyment, and develop the reading habit.

• Convey Educational Messages
  Government agencies, the military, museums, and other nonprofit organizations have long used educational comics to reach general audiences.

• Stimulate Readers to Explore Other Literature
  Many comic book fans become avid book readers. Comics can stimulate interest in all types of fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, historical, etc.) as well as mythology, legends, and nonfiction.

• Engage Adult Readers
  The average age of American comic book readers is 25. Many readers who were avid fans as teenagers continue reading into adulthood, broadening their taste in comic book genres to reflect more mature interests.
  
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  compiled and maintained by: Michael R. Lavin, Lockwood Memorial Library
  send comments to: Michael R. Lavin, mrlavin@acsu.buffalo.edu
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  last updated on: December 15, 2000