Go Graphic, the Powell River Public Library’s slam-dunk comics class for teens, is back starting Friday, May 2, and registration is now open.
During the five-week course, participants will explore comics forms and fundamentals—from terminology to gags to picture sequences to complete stories. “It’s a lot of fun,” said Sonia Zagwyn, teens’ services coordinator at the library, “but don’t be fooled by the subject. There’s also a lot of learning and drawing involved. One of the best comments I received from a student last year was that she was surprised by how much she learned.”
Comics and literacy have many things in common. Educators are increasingly aware of the complementary roles of visual and written literacy in 21st century communication. The ability to read signs and symbols dates back to animal paintings in ancient caves such as Lascaux, France.
In today’s world people are super-saturated with images, delivered mostly by digital media. By slowing down and taking the time, it is possible to make sense of it all, said Zagwyn. This involves being visually literate.
Often students will have incredible instincts in one area, she said, and Go Graphic will challenge them to look at other aspects of visual storytelling and, by extension, visual understanding.
“I’m asking students to create images that communicate on multiple levels,” she said. “For instance, the kid who does an amazing job of action sequences—the whizz, bang, pow stuff—will sail through the class on gesture but have to push outside his comfort zone when we look at character development and facial expression.”
She added there is a lot to know about comics, even for students who grew up reading and drawing them. “In the process, we’re increasing our visual vocabularies and learning how to tell stories that interweave words and images.”
Go Graphic runs Fridays in May from 4 to 5:30 pm at the library. To register, readers can email [email protected] or call 604.485.8663.
