Just before sitting down to write this blog, I was playing the Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe Xbox game with my friends. I have been playing this game, with Batman as my avatar for about two years, yet never realized how closely associated I am with this media artifact. No, it is not the TV or video games, however it the comics. Many of the games I play are based on a comic book that was published a long time ago. Comics are a form of artistic media that first established itself in the late 19th and early 20th century. They have played a very important role in the development of society. Since the early years, comics were ranged from to jokes, satires and caricature, but also began to tackle aspects of political, religious and social life. They not only allowed us to express ourselves, but also given us a form to daily entertainment. Many comics and comic characters from back then are still prevalent in our lives today. They carry similar messages and discuss similar topics.
Since childhood, I have been exposed to comics, whether it was in Readers Digest, the newspaper, or my own books. The characters in comic books have extended their presence beyond their comic origins; they are now seen in movies, games, theme parks and even on one of my t-shirts. Today’s mass media have brought them to the forefront of public consciousness. The Comic-Con International convention is one example that reveals the importance of comics in today’s youth. The comic books I read in my childhood have shaped me into what I am now. My love for superhero movies and games such as IronMan, Batman, SuperMan and the forthcoming movie The Avengers has surely been inculcated by comics. It is not just me, On the other hand, my cousin who is now an engineer claims that it has not Batman but rather Dilbert who shaped him and his viewpoint.
 |
| Babson Dorm room: Comics are still in my life |
akash,
ReplyDeleteit is incredible how famous comics became and how important they are to certain people. this summer i had the chance to attend the comic con convention they do in san diego, and was impressed with how serious people take this comics and how many people attended the convention. i think it is something cool where people most really like it to be a part of it. me my slef dont like comics, but i would have liked to been able to read more of these when i was younger.
salo
It is interesting to see comics having an influence on our society. Many mediums today that our generation is somewhat addicted to (TV and video games) evolved from simple comic strips. TV and video games are fast moving and very interactive and catch the eye of any passerby, but comics are something that a person must choose to sit down and read. Political, action, and story-telling comics all deliver a message through media and it is interesting to see the many things that have become of such a simple idea. This was really the beginning of our media driven generation.
ReplyDeletehey Akash,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see someone picking up on something that I am also very interested about - Comics. Well ever since I was a kid, I have been reading comic books (of course they were mostly in Chinese, but still comic books nevertheless). Well a lot of it went on to becoming productions of movies or television series and it is very interesting how binded we are to them. I don't know if you get what I mean but like things that the characters within the comic or movies do I would want to do also. Like superman can fly, spiderman can shoot out webs and climb up a wall, stupid things that I kid dreams of doing I tried to do. Is it possible that through these things we become adapted to the violence within too? Can comics be dangerous?
Nice Post. I have always noticed that throughout history comic book characters have been placed in real situations and reflect actual political changes in the world. I believe comic book worlds have just as much influence on us as we do on them. A great example of this is the comics of WWII featuring many superheros going to war.
ReplyDeleteWhy are comic books so engaging? What make them capable of stimulating our imaginations more than a novel, a movie, or a picture book? I would like to see you analyze the ultimate attraction of comic books--in addition to your description of the popularity of this medium. Cool topic.
ReplyDeleted.
That is a fantastic observation, i have not been exposed to as many comics when growing up since in Europe they are not as popular but i have been reading a lot of financial news papers which very often express the political ideas in funny comics and i must say they are a very power full media tool and very effective in expressing opinions, i completely agree with you here!!!!
ReplyDelete