In the past, comic books and graphic novels have sometimes been given a bad rap, often being associated with the word “nerd.” There was a time when they were considered a distraction from “real books.” Yet, in recent times, more and more people are beginning to realize that comic books and graphic novels have a lot more to offer than meets the eye.  That old saying about not judging a book by its cover – well it works for comic books too. There are great benefits that comic books and graphic novels have to offer to readers both young and old. 

They Help Spark The Reading Bug

One of the great benefits of comic books or graphic novels is that they can be a lot easier to digest for reluctant readers due to their visual component. With their intense visuals and focus on plot and characters, comic books can be much more engaging than other literary media for children who think they dislike reading.      

Comic books may also help young readers develop the skills they need to comprehend texts with higher levels of difficulty, such as novels. This, in turn, can provide struggling readers with more confidence and expand their word bank. Furthermore, comic books and graphic novels can help people learn things that they may have not otherwise been interested in. This could include stories from history or other educational content.

They’re Good For The Mind

You’ve likely heard that reading is good for your brain. But did you know that reading comic books offers some particularly great benefits for the mind? According to University of Windsor English professor Dale Jacobs (2007), comic books require readers to create meaning using “multiple modalities.”    

This means that readers must take visual, spatial, and textual components of what they’re reading and integrate them into one solid understanding of the story. Stories can actually change how our brains function and how we think. And it doesn’t get much more story-based than comic books or graphic novels.

Comic Books Are Cool!

Comic books have long outgrown their old stereotype. Since nerdy is the new cool, there are all kinds of great comic books and graphic novels made not just for kids but adults as well. Comic books and graphic novels are much more than just superhero stories. Nowadays, countless graphic novels detail non-fictional events from the past or even biographies of famous historical figures.          

But of course, there still are great superhero comics! Between Captain America, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and more, you have plenty of amazing options.  The visual nature of graphic novels allows you to experience themes in different ways than when reading a traditional book, which can be very rewarding.

You Get The Picture

Comic books clearly have a lot to offer to readers of all ages. From their compelling stories to their benefits for the mind, comic books have definitely moved on from their reputation as a “distraction.”

Be sure to visit Book Outlet’s online book store for a huge selection of inexpensive comic books.