Why Read Historical Fiction Graphic Novels

By Amanda Baird


Historical fiction graphic novels offer the reader both gripping fictional tales and detailed illustrations. Readers are exposed to a skillful weaving together of facts and background from various events and periods in history. As the text and pictures unfold, they are entertained and encouraged to engage with history in a different way.

Such a novel differs from a comic book in its length, the completeness of the story and the lack of advertising. The story progresses in linear fashion and both text and illustrations are used to move it forward. Facial expressions and physical movements are relayed visually so this genre combines the appeal of a good story with an almost movie like format. Some of these books even find their way onto bestseller lists, competing with the more traditional type of novel.

Research is vitally important to a book of this nature and the author has to become very familiar with every aspect of their chosen period or event in order to write an authentic work. It takes skill to combine this research with a fictional story. Readers do not want to be constantly aware of all the detailed research done by the author. Instead, they want to be entertained and be able to imagine what it was like to live in another place and time.

These books deal with topics from ancient history through to modern times. The Grecian Olympic Games, the Roman Slave Trade and the Egyptian pyramids are just some of the topics covered in ancient history. World wars, kings and queens, presidents and their wives, explorations and even serial killers are all brought to life in these books.

Many books in this genre are now available at online stores. There is an increasing interest being shown by readers, from children to adults. Some are written specifically for smaller children, even for those who are just learning to read. Others are written with teenagers in mind, using teenage characters that they can relate to. Many adults enjoy books of this nature and some of them are well written enough to appeal to even the most discerning of readers.

The use of illustrations does not mean that these books are necessarily a lower form of literature. Since the beginning of time pictures have been used to convey stories. Of course, illustrations are helpful for those with difficulty in forming mental pictures and this means that such books are particularly suitable for readers experience difficulty with reading.

Teachers find this genre very useful. A book like this provides a wonderful tool for teaching history, particularly for those students who consider history to be boring and of no relevance to them. Reading such a book, might just spark an interest and give new insight to a student.

Historical fiction graphic novels are a form of literature that is growing in popularity. They combine excellent stories with vivid illustrations. History is brought to life in a unique manner, giving individuals the opportunity of gaining an insight into other lives and times.




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