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'Graphic' Novels

Started by Leigh S, 24 January, 2008, 11:24:10 AM

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Leigh S

I was in Waterstones yesterday lunchtime, and witnessed a woman go up to a shop assistant near the grpahic novel section and ask him if the comics were suitable for children or teenagers.

He replied "Oh no.  These comics are all intended for adults.  They are 'Graphic' novels, as the name implies, they contain 'graphic' content"

Stunned by the madness, I was just wondering if I should step in, pick up a Strontium dog vol 1 and beat him around the head, when she picked up some Vertigo style book and proved his point.  I slunk off defeated.

Is it any wonder comics are a dying art in this country? Should I have put him right?  

nofuture

stick a copy of 300 up his butt - length ways

the shutdown man

Well, some of them wouldn't be suitable for kids (in my opinion) , but not simply because of the title "Graphic", as we all know.  But there's seldom much point in trying to point anything out to shop assistants. If, for example, you had been in Forbidden Planet, you probably could have had a discussion on the merits of selling graphic novels to people of a certain age level with the person behind the counter, but I'd say the seller in Waterstones doesn't regard GNs as real books.
You're at the precipice Tony, of an enormous crossroads.

Dark Jimbo

I remember a mate of mine in college put 'graphic novels' in his interests on a job application form (him and me were the only two who read comics among our group) and everyone cracked up when he passed it around for approval.

Apparently they all thought graphic novels made it sound as though he perused an awful lot of porn.
@jamesfeistdraws

mechanix81

It's Lunacy, it really is. In my local Waterstones the stuff is alphabeticaly by title which puts Peanuts next to Preacher.

The defense rests.
Dawn of the first day. 72 hours remain.

Proudhuff

I just been at a seminar about Jekyll and Hyde and the up and coming GN is given high place in the wide sweep of the UNESCO work.


In the shop, I would have shoo'd the woman away to, if she'd let her little darlings start grubbing about with the likes of Preacher there would be tears...



Huff

Link: http://www.cityofliterature.com/index.aspx?sec=1&pid=1" target="_blank">City of Literature

DDT did a job on me

Goaty

love that "stick a copy of 300 up his butt - length ways" nofuture!

yeah it very sad. once I went to Waterstones, and saw two children (8 and 7) play with graphic novels, like rip some and mashed some. a sad view!

Peter Wolf


 People are thick.

What do you expect ?


 Why doesnt the individual in question go and flick through some herself and use her own Judgement and make her own decision instead of some third party who doesnt even understand the nature of the stock being sold in the shop ?

 Probably because she lacks the ability to use Critical Thinking like so many people.


 Yes you should have got talking to her and introduced her to what her kids should be reading.She might have listened.


 Crap bookshop is Waterstones as are most High St bookshops including Borders.

 I couldnt even find the GNS in Borders.I got bored after the 3rd circuit of the shop searching for them.


 I dont rate borders any more.They have gone totally downhill.I just walk past these days.


 Borders in Brighton used to be my favourite shop.

There is a huge selection of Sci Fi / fantasy novels though.
Worthing Bazaar - A fete worse than death

mogzilla

when i complained to a book club recentish their final argument was that as you had to be 18 to join the books are obviously onlky intended for over 18's..
i resisted the temptation to ask if that included the hobbit,various dr whos,spider-man,superman,batman etc etc etc