Since I was a kid, I was told that any reading is good reading. I interpreted that to include reading comics. I was an avid collector (and reader) of The Beano and The Dandy from 1961 until around 1969 and, along with The Topper and The Beezer, they were my favourite comics. I credit them for getting me interested in reading.
I then moved on to reading Schoolgirls, School Friend and war comics, which glorified Britain’s role in battling the Nazis in World War Two. Then it was on to the more serious Classics, an American comic series featuring adaptations of famous works of literature such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, Moby Dick and The Count of Monte Cristo.
I read them to familiarise myself with the storylines relevant to the subject of English Literature, a subject I still love.Later on, I moved on to reading simple stories by Enid Blyton, such as The Secret Seven and The Famous Five.
In 1963, I began the daily habit of reading newspapers. The same year, as a movie buff, I bought monthly editions of Movie News and Screen News.
Later, my interest in English football led me to collect magazines such as Shoot, Goal and Football Monthly. Further on, I began to read periodicals like Time, Newsweek, Asiaweek and Life. All this kept me busy reading.
I moved along with the times. As demanded by my studies in tertiary education, I took an interest in books relating to history, politics and English Literature. This helped in my academic progress, both for my undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Oddly, I did not take an interest in reading novels. Other than compulsory reading in literature, I remember reading only three novels: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell and Airport by Arthur Hailey.
However, reading comics was my first love and where my reading habit began. To be honest, I learned a lot more about the English language from reading comics than from reading school texts during my primary and early secondary school years. Teachers and friends thought I was wasting my time.
Choosing between comics and books was difficult for me. I was serious about my schoolwork during weekdays but not on weekends. I had friends who were like me. As a cohort, we frequently exchanged comics. Some of them would run after me whenever they knew I had new comics.
I felt it necessary never to mention my hobby of collecting and reading comics to certain people, especially my parents and teachers. I always found it rather odd that people who professed never to have read comics would say that they were bad and that reading them should be discouraged among schoolchildren.
I don’t accept people who routinely say, “Comics are children’s books.” If adults enjoy reading comics, so be it. They are not degrading themselves or hurting the feelings of others.
Perhaps a favourite feature for many in any newspaper is the comic strip, and very likely adult readers will not bypass it. I still remember and was fond of reading, among others, Alley Oop, Beetle Bailey, Blondie, Bugs Bunny, Hagar the Horrible, Nancy, Peanuts and, of course, Kee’s World and occasional strips by Lat (Datuk Nor Khalid).
I’m all for letting people enjoy what they enjoy doing. Yes, some comics are absolutely for adults, and to think otherwise is to be ignorant. It goes to show that comics cater to a broad spectrum of age groups.
One should not deny the several benefits gained from the habit of reading comics. It is a worthwhile pursuit and can encourage children into adolescence.
First and foremost, reading comics may introduce a child to the habit of reading. Comics may spark an interest in certain subjects among schoolchildren. They are very illustrative. Very likely, reading comics will encourage children to read further on relevant subjects and even develop a keen interest in literature.
Comics combine text and imagery, which can enhance visual literacy. Readers, especially schoolchildren, learn to interpret visual cues and understand how images and words work together to tell a story.
The visual nature of comics can make reading more engaging, particularly for reluctant readers or those who struggle with traditional texts. This can help foster a love of reading in general.
One can find a wide spectrum of different genres and themes in comics, appealing to various interests. This diversity can introduce readers to new ideas, cultures and perspectives. Readers often engage with complex themes and moral dilemmas presented in stories, which can lead to critical thinking and analysis of narratives and character development.
Comics often reflect and relate to societal issues, making them a valuable medium for understanding cultural context and history. They can also foster a sense of community through online forums and book clubs. This social aspect can enhance enjoyment and provide opportunities for discussion and debate.
Through illustrations, reading comics can inspire creativity, encouraging readers to create their own stories and art. This can be particularly beneficial for children and young adults.
Comics can also help to improve readers’ vocabulary and comprehension skills. The combination of dialogue and narrative helps readers understand context and develop language skills in a fun and engaging way.
Sadly, many people still judge comics based on the outdated misconception that they are for kids. They think of comics as being a superhero genre. Obviously, this can be true, but there are plenty of comics that tell every kind of story imaginable and feature no superheroes.
While comics should not replace traditional literature, they can certainly complement it. Encouraging people to read comics can promote a lifelong love of reading and help develop various skills. Thus, incorporating comic books into reading habits can be a positive step for individuals of all ages.
Reading comics is a great way to get kids to express themselves creatively.
This can get them involved in a community that encourages each other to be creative.
