Be A Hero, Read a Book

Graphic Novels, Education, and the Role of Libraries In this episode of the Multiverse Comics Podcast, Scott and Steven are joined by special guest Leanne, a librarian with a strong passion for comic books and graphic novels. The discussion covers various aspects of incorporating graphic novels in educational settings, including overcoming resistance from teachers and the broader challenges regarding literacy legitimacy. Leanne shares insights on building a graphic novel collection in libraries and addresses issues regarding age-appropriateness and content review. There's also a deep dive into the controversies surrounding certain graphic novels like Art Spiegelman's 'Maus' and the broader impact of graphic novels on literacy and education. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, light-hearted banter, and thoughtful discussions on the important role of graphic novels in engaging readers of all ages. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:56 Leanne's Comic Convention Adventures 02:45 Comics in Education 06:56 Graphic Novels and School Policies 09:58 Scholastic and Graphic Novels 12:33 Comic Books as a Gateway to Literacy 23:46 Batman Damned Controversy 27:44 Retailer's Responsibility in Comic Selection 32:22 The Role of YA Books 33:45 Harry Potter and Twilight Phenomenon 40:00 Graphic Novels and Censorship 40:32 The Controversy of Maus 46:24 Electra Assassin and Media Influence 53:10 Concluding Thoughts on Reading and Parenting