Comics get serious
Recently, Geppi's Entertainment Museum curator Arnold Blumberg was kind enough to answer a few of my burning comic questions: In specific, what is the difference between comic books and graphic novels? His verdict: Not a thing.
"... The division between 'comic books' and 'graphic novels' is a false one largely created from a marketing point of view," he says. "All comic books and graphic novels are comics -- a literary art form created by the blending of words and pictures (and frankly sometimes just sequential art with no words at all)."
So in an attempt to bring back readers who saw comic books as, well, child's play, the industry got wise. Blumberg does note, however, that many graphic novels are often single volumes with a more mature approach, as opposed to "the more popcorn-like superhero slugfests" many envision.
But that cutesy image of comic books was pretty well annihilated by Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns, Blumberg says. And yes, that is the same Frank Miller who is responsible for Sin City and 300 -- and he just so happens to be from Olney.
Blumberg also points out that Art Spiegelman's Maus earned him a Pulitzer Prize. If that doesn't say "grown up," I don't know what does.
And if you haven't had a chance to visit Geppi's yet, Tuesdays are half-price admission. Looks like you have plans tonight!
(Photo courtesy of geppismuseum.com)
