Increasingly, classic literary works are being reinterpreted in graphic novel format. William Shakespeare's plays have been reimagined as graphic novels, as have famous novels like Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and even some nonfiction such as Machiavelli's The Prince or the diary of Anne Frank. What might be some factors driving the current trend in graphic novelizations of literary classics? Does the graphic novel format provide any benefits that an ordinary book would lack, and, conversely, what might be some unique challenges these graphic-novel adaptations face? Are there any literary works that might lend themselves particularly well to the graphic-novel format, or any that would be particularly difficult to adapt?
I recently had a conversation with a colleague of mine on this topic. The discussion bled into the realm of film remakes as well. I have a lot of appreciation for the graphic novel medium as well as the notion of retelling a classic tale for a contemporary audience, however I cannot endorse it because I feel a sense of discredit towards the original work and creator. For example, Metropolis is a foundational film for the modern world, however I believe a remake of Metropolis would be abominable. Similarly, if you read a graphic novel of The Odyssey or The Faerie Queene, then you did not read those books nor do you know the importance of and literary impact of that work. The writing and original wording in conjunction with the imaginative medium of the novel is lost when a graphic novel adaptation is made. The plot and contemporary imagery does little to keep a book alive. – caedmonmills6 years ago
I have my students read Octavia Butler's novel "Kindred" and then read the graphic novel. It's powerful! The graphic novel's Illustrator (John Jennings) and Adapter (Damian Duffy) had to take creative liberties in how they portray the characters visually, but they stay true to the text. The story is definitely told well; all of the dialogue is present, but the pacing is FAST. Also, we, as readers, are supposed to question Dana's husband's race in the novel, but immediately, we see the color of his skin in the graphic novel. I absolutely love using graphic novels in the classroom to help students see these differences and compare/contrast text and visuals. – Morgan Dancy5 years ago
Detail the history of the extremely popular true crime comedy podcast My Favorite Murder, from their inception to their recent book release titled Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered. Are we living in a "new era of true crime fascination," as some have suggested? Research the global response of the podcast resulting in millions of "murderinos," and avid listeners. Does the success of My Favorite Murder suggest that interest in true crime is more common than previously thought? Is this interest healthy? Are Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the show's hosts, honoring the victims of the stories they recount? Does My Favorite Murder glorify violent crime? Touch on the titles of the chapters in the memoir, each corresponding to a catchphrase one of the women have coined during the taping of their show over the past four years. Does Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered qualify as a "self-help" book? Is their path to success unprecedented and representative of the digital age?
By what metric can it be argued that we are living in (as you put it) a "new era of true crime fascination"? One need only look at lurid newspaper headlines from the early years of the last century, or recall the long-held policy of TV news programs ("If it bleeds, it leads"); the fascination with true crime stories is nothing new, though the popularity of these true crime podcasts is worth a critical examination of the way they depict their subjects and what that says about us. – John Wilson6 years ago
Is the era of the dystopian over? We seem to be seeing a slow rise in the quantity of utopian fantasy and science fiction works being published year-over-year. What can be read from this potential turn away from the primacy of dystopian literature? In addition to these questions, why is it that increase in published utopian literary works does not seem to be a trend that is, as yet, reflected in film?
I would agree that there has been an upswing in utopian fiction (maybe the last 5 years). To me, the classics of this genre seem to be heavily weighted in the dystopian category. I would bet that these trends are closely related to larger social, economic, and political trends...it would be wonderful if someone could explore that further and shed light on might have influenced the popularity of these works – kelseyodegreef5 years ago
Analyze the representation of Asian LGBTQ individuals in literature, preferably with a focus on 21st Century works (examples might include How I Became a North Korean or The Book of Salt). Delve into how one's concept of identity can be challenged by being a part of the queer community and also the Asian diaspora.
Analyze how creating an image for "death" and having death be a character changes or impacts a piece of literature and in what ways. I immediately think of "The Book Thief" by Marcus Zusak and how he portrayed death to be its own entity in the novel. This alongside the mini story J.K Rowling had in her well known Harry Potter series called "Tales of Beedle the Bard" death is yet again seen as someone in a human like form.
It might be worth taking a look at the great work that Lindsay Ellis has done on this subject, both on her personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aNax1Rhs-w) and with PBS Digital Studios (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vQjHILQ0OQ). I'm sure there is still plenty worth talking about that she missed, to which I'd caution the prospective author against risking too close a retread. – ProtoCanon6 years ago
It would be interesting to look at Death in the context of greek mythology as well as the role of time within death particularly in Alice through the looking glass. Time has control over death but as the film continues the audience see Time as a caretaker if anything. – NCSERCOMBE6 years ago
Take a survey of how both expansions – Legends and the Disney canon – differ in scope, focus, style, and tone. This may be better explored after the release of episode IX and the coming books/comics surrounding it. Possible questions: How do both expansions implement and/or break away from the source films? How do their stories differ? What have been the reactions from fans over the years to both expansions?
Love this topic. I think about this a lot. Scope of article could be problematic, I suggest that you focus on several comparable texts/eras. – Sean Gadus6 years ago
I would explore certain eras from both old and new canon material to help differentiate specific traits between the two continuities. – BMartin436 years ago
This is a great idea, but both canons are so massive so it would be great if you could pinpoint specific topics and stories to compare in similar timelines in order for this article to more concise – cbo10946 years ago
Analyze the similarities and difference of the All Souls trilogy and the Twilight series. These seem to similarities but differences can definitely be found. In both series, the lead female character falls for an over-bearing vampire with close family bonds. Bella does not have any powers until she is turned in to a vampire but Diana Bishop was always a witch but did not have control of her power. The world Diana lives in is much more elaborate though, there is time travelling and the historical aspect of the series is in depth. Does that elaboration make the All Souls Triology more effect than the The twilight series?
Stephen Chbosky's 1999 novel presents the theme of identity with a protagonist, Charlie, who struggles to find himself during freshmen year of high school. This article would demonstrate the protagonist's lack of identity throughout the entire book and the revelation which made him learn about the dangers of lacking identity.
I'm not quite sure what you mean. Can you be more specific about what you mean about "the dangers of lacking identity?" To my understanding, and I realize my reading of the novel is different from others' readings, Charlie has an identity, but that identity is changing throughout the novel. Now whether we view that identity as being distinct, that is up to an interpretation, but I would like to see this article nonetheless. – Matt Sautman8 years ago
As mentioned by the previous commenter, can you be more specific as to what "the dangers of lacking identity" means? I read the book as a coming-of-age novel where Charlie learns more about himself and those around him. What exactly are the "dangers" caused by a "lack of identity," especially in adolescence? – AaronJRobert8 years ago
This is an extraordinary book. Love to see any articles about it. – Sean Gadus6 years ago
Im not sure that Charlie actually "lacks identity" as you say, he does try to find himself as would any other freshman would be but a big part of his identity is dealing with normal school life along Side his depression and memories from his past. – JustEllieWillDo6 years ago
