Congrats to Asterios Polyp! Winning the L.A. Times Book Prize for Graphic Novels, as announced two days ago, it appears Asterios Polyp is starting to leave quite an impression in the world of graphic novels. But to me, this is something much bigger. The L.A. Times, for the first time ever, is giving out awards to graphic novels. The genre has slowly been gaining acceptance, but this is pretty big. Take a look around, and the signs seem to indicate that graphic novels are becoming more and more of a legitimate genre. And that, to me, has been the problem. Sure, people can accept graphic novels as a genre, but how legitimate was their perception? There have long been stigmas associated with graphic novels, such as that they are just comics on steroids, but there are now highly esteemed awards being cast out to graphic novels.

After the L.A. Times Book Review recently created a category for graphic novels, this proves yet another step in the right direction for graphic novels to be viewed as legitimate
After the L.A. Times Book Review recently created a category for graphic novels, this proves yet another step in the right direction for graphic novels to be viewed as legitimate

Starting with Maus, which in 1992 won a Pulitzer Prize, then with Watchmen, which was recognized by as one of the 100 best novels ever written, the legitimacy is growing. The mere fact that the L.A. Times Book Prize added a whole category for graphic novels is an incredible step in the right direction as well. If some of the most prestigious awards and recognitions are being handed out to graphic novels, then you know perception is changing.


Maybe credit Maus with starting to slowly legitimize the genre of graphic novels, as back in 1992, it won a Pulitzer Prize award

What’s great about these high-end awards is that they have a trickle down effect. Look at us. We are, in my opinion, at a well-respected University, studying graphic novels. Right along with Romanticism, African-American literature, 16th century British Literature is a course regarding graphic novels.

Look down a level, and the high schools are embracing the genre as well. Recently, the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents reported, “[graphic novels] attract reluctant readers and bookworms. They lure teen boys, while retaining the qualities beloved by teen girls. They work for ESL students (Krashen 54), teach visual literacy (Gorman 9-10) and sequencing, and, above all else, they are wildly popular with an adolescent audience” (findarticles.com). Now, with that kind of research in hand, school districts everywhere are giving the green light to teach graphic novels.

How far can this genre go? At this rate, and at the rate in which students easily lose attention, graphic novels could not only be the new hot educational tool, but also the next widely read genre. Yet it all starts with the “legitmization” process. Yes, graphic novels are accepted as a genre, but the more others can view the genre as a legitimate one, the sky is the limit.