Do you think comics are a children's or adult genre/media?
I think they are both. Though generally looked upon as children's entertainment due to the use of pictures, which are often seen as something for the undeveloped mind ( e.g. picture books for children), and thus thought of as beneath a persons intellect. A common prejudice. Also, comics use of humour is also seen as a lesser form of entertainment ("lowers class" is the term I think Mike used in lectures) but this isn't the case.
Tintin and The Blue Lotus is a fine example of the combination of children and adults entrainment within comics. Whilst the story is a fairly basic adventure plot, the inclusion of politics, such as Mitsuhirato blowing up the railway line, and protest in the subtext, adds a more complex side to the story. Thus making it enjoyable to all ages.
Well summarised :D
ReplyDeleteYea, Tin Tin books are a nice mix as they have bright colors and enough action to keep the kids entertained, while the historical references in Tin Tin comics will keep the adults entertained too.
ReplyDeleteComic books have now created a sub-genre known as Graphic Novels though. To me, Graphics Novels are more teen-to-adult orientated because they are huge in length, price and sometimes violence. Batman graphic novels are much more darker than the old '40s comics he originally appeared in.
With Tin Tin especially,they are for both I agree. I think with comics that are for both children and adults,, the kids don't actually understand the realness of the events happening, it is obviously made lighter with no gruesome details but with humour and enough detail for a adult to understand and be enticed by
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