By Orion Christy
Ask most people if they read graphic novels and a common reply is “What, comics? Not since I was a kid!”
But time makes them bolder and even “kids” get older and many graphic novels are getting their big break. It is more and more common to see cartoon drawings lining the pages of those monthly publications coming to life on screen. They definitely have a more adult and dramatic air about them.
For the uninitiated, a graphic novel is generally six issues of a comic compiled into a single volume. For examples, look no further than the recent surge of comic book character movies: “X-Men,” “The Dark Knight” and “Sin City,” to name a few. Or the American Movie Classics’ “The Walking Dead” television series, which captivates a diverse cache, including fans of the comic, zombie folklorists, apocalyptic survivalists and adds human drama in the mix. Also, because of the increasing popularity of these works University of Central Florida librarian Michael Furlong started a club for those who appreciate the genre. Starting in January, the group meets the last Thursday of every month to celebrate discuss, and enjoy the rampantly diverse and unique works found therein.
In March, the group met to discuss the first two volumes of “The Walking Dead” (“Days Gone By” and “Miles Behind Us”). Furlong presented a dozen or so attendees with a list of discussion questions which he proceeded to ask each member in attendance. During the course of the meeting, topics like the plausibility of a zombie apocalypse, the parallels of consumerism and modern life, character development, favorite scenes and events, and the inevitable comparison between TV series and books. The meeting was basically a group discussion and the consensus of attendees is best summarized by cartoonist Laura Jones, 21, cartoonist, who characterized it as a “very friendly and personable experience.”
Last month volume three of “The Walking Dead, titled “Safety Behind Bars,” was scheduled to be discussed along with any other titles members wanted to present. As much as the club likes “The Walking Dead,” they also discuss a wide array of titles, from the popular and common “Watchman” to more obscure and niche titles such as “V For Vendetta.”
“I take suggestions from the group, rather than trying to ‘force’ something,” Furlong explained, adding that the group will break for summer, but plans to resume in the fall semester.
Before then, they will meet on May 30 at 2 p.m. in “The Cellar,” located at the ground floor of the DSC/UCF Writing Center. Contact Michael Furlong (Michael.furlong@ucf.edu) or co-adviser, DSC English Professor Seth Blazer (Blazers@daytonastate.edu) for information.