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Recommended: Hawthorne's use of symbolism

Throughout history, the graphic form has been used as a means of conveying information of many forms such as story, words of warning, or even propaganda (Van Meter). In its more recent shape, the modern comic, the graphic work was often treated as a lowly form of art suitable primarily for adolescents and children seeking entertainment (Cengage). This mindset about comics continued until the mid 1980’s, at which point it was shattered by the arrival of “Maus”; a graphic novel that documented the experiences of a Holocaust survivor (Spiegelman). After winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1992, Spiegelman’s work opened the door to a whole world of possibilities for the graphic form in scholarly pursuits. Though this event brought about the birth of countless graphic narratives, each responsible for shedding light on modern historical travesties, it is my conviction that prior to the onset of “graphic reportage” comics held a more important socio-political relevance. While less explicit with their messages, early comics such as “The Hulk” gave valuable insight into society by giving a direct look into pop-culture of the time, utilizing symbolism to convey public opinion, and spreading propaganda.

When a work is created with the intent of being graphic reportage the author becomes painfully aware of the fact that they will be observed and scrutinized under this context, however when an entirely fictitious comic book is created its author is relieved from the constraints of this awareness of observation. Put more eloquently, comic book authors that create works of graphic reportage are vulnerable to a psychological phenomenon known as the Hawthorne Effect, which states that individuals that are aware that they are being observed will b...

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Works Cited

Cengage, Gale. eNotes.com. 2004. 22 April 2012 <"Graphic Novels - Introduction." Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Janet http://www.enotes.com/graphic-novels-criticism/graphic-novels/introduction>.

Conroy, Mike. "The True Origin of The Incredible Hulk." N/A: Marvel Comics, 2008.

Gale, E.A.M. "The Hawthorne studies—a fable for our times? ." QJM (2004): 439-449.

Lee, Stan-Writer Kirby, Jack -Penciller Reinman, Paul-Inker Simek,Art-Letters. "The Incredible Hulk." The Incredible Hulk #1. Marvel Comics, May 1962.

Rocchi, James. X-Meta : An Outsider’s Guide to Symbolism in Superhero Cinema (wonder woman mention). May 2006. 22 April 2012 .

Spiegelman, Art. " Maus: A Survivor's Tale." New York: Pantheon Books, 1986.

Van Meter, Justine. "History Of Graphic Novels." Orange, CA, February 2012.

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