Affiliation:
1. Appalachian State University, USA
Abstract
This chapter explores the affordances of the comics/graphic novels medium for engaging in critical reading and awareness of relevant cultural issues and a range of experiences. The author situates comics as medium before highlighting the work of Faith Erin Hicks, noting both promise and limitation in the graphic novel series The Nameless City as a way of beginning conversations about relevant topics. The attention then shifts to include the work of Nate Powell, framed as artivism, and the adaptation process of moving the verse novel work of Jason Reynolds to graphic novel form. In this section, the author invites the collaboration of the artist who crafted the adaptation. Finally, attention is given to additional titles that teachers and researchers can consider.