Can Teens Improve Reading Skills by Reading Graphic Novels and Comics?
Nearly one in three Flemish 15-year-olds fails to grasp simple texts, according to recent Pisa results, prompting fresh scrutiny over whether graphic novels and comic books contribute adequately to youth literacy. While traditional assumptions dismiss graphic novels as childish, text-poor, or intellectually unstimulating, experts argue that reading comics builds essential cognitive and linguistic skills just as effectively as standard novels.
Sam De Wilde, editor-in-chief of the magazine Stripgids and a literary reviewer, notes that youths develop a broad vocabulary, linguistic proficiency, and critical thinking just as well through a comic book as through an average roman, with the added benefit of a visual layer. According to De Wilde, images complement or contrast with dialogues—such as when a character’s actions contradict their spoken words—teaching children and teenagers how a scene is visually constructed. De Wilde adds that because children and teenagers frequently encounter visual media online, that critical visual thinking is important. Tine Anthoni, communications manager at the Belgian Comic Strip Center in Brussels, adds that visual language is a language in itself, pointing out that via composition or color, authors convey feelings or ideas that one often has to figure out independently because they are not explicitly named.
Literary Value in Popular Series and Manga
Even when teens repeatedly reach for popular titles like Lucky Luke, Suske en Wiske, or Asterix, experts say there is much to be gained from the wordplay alone. American superhero comics and manga also frequently transcend mere entertainment. De Wilde highlights that the immensely popular manga series One Piece is an exuberant adventure strip that simultaneously addresses slavery, racism, government violence, and gender norms.
The Importance of Variety and Critical Reading
Pointing again to the Pisa results, Van de Wiele notes that the more varied one reads, the better. For example, adults can point out that Aunt Sidonia is always in the kitchen in Suske en Wiske, or examine which panels contain racist and discriminatory elements, while noting that Asterix often relies on ironic clichés about countries and peoples. Van de Wiele notes that Asterix used to appear in short episodes in the comic magazine Pilote, accompanied by an editorial and work by other creators, which was ideal because it taught readers to look critically, compare, and discover all kinds of other comics while reading.
Eva Van De Wiele Recommends Recent Graphic Novel Releases
Eva Van de Wiele recommends Mol by young Belgian author Marthe Pieron, published by Stichting Sleen in a 76-page edition priced at €19.50, about which Van de Wiele states: The coming-out scene in which Superman’s son tells his father that he has a thing for a boy is among the most touching I have read in recent years.
In 2017, Aimée de Jongh, Judith Vanistendael, and Mei-Li Nieuwland traveled to Lesbos to portray the daily life of refugees, published by Scratch in a 176-page edition priced at €29.95.
Cas Lofthus of comic book store Mekanik in Antwerp frames the core question of Mathieu Bablet’s new graphic novel Silent Jenny.