Literature is ever evolving. No longer is literature only comprised of works that fall into the ‘classic literature’ category. Now, graphic novels, poetry and even films are considered aspects of literature. It is not uncommon for there to be classes dedicated to contemporary literature, graphic novels or even films in universities. Yet, there is still a stigma that surrounds new forms of literature. People think that just because it is different than the classic style it is somehow lesser or not equal to those written in that style. However, this could not be further from the truth. 

Graphic novels, poetry and films are able to offer themes just as complex as books. Take the DC and Marvel universe for example. Even though the original comics were published years ago, there are still stories being told about them today. Classic literature is defined as “works of literature that transcend time and culture to have a universal appeal.” The stories in Marvel and DC seem to fit into this category. These characters have been around since the 1930s, and people still crave new stories about them. The stories are not only told in comic book format but in film as well, making the transition from page to screen a success. If people go by the definition of classic literature only, all stories in the Marvel and DC universe should be considered classics, but they are not. These stories are so well known that even people who are not die-hard fans have a basic understanding about these characters and the world they live in, yet they are not truly considered classic literature.

Graphic Novels

The reasoning for this exclusion of art is often multifaceted, with a long, complicated history tying into its place in the zeitgeist. For instance, comic books are an often overlooked if not altogether disregarded literary genre. It is an odd classification, giving comics the nomenclature of literature, and seeing as they are nearly as much a visual medium as a written one, it seems more fitting for the reason that they are printed onto paper and distributed in the same fashion as a novel. Because of this, it falls into the realm of literature.

Of course, not everyone agrees that they should be classified as such. This is partially for the reason listed above, but the reasoning is much more complicated than that.

The predecessor of the comic were pulp magazines. These peaked in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th century. They published long form stories with extensive illustrations which were told over many publications of the magazine. The stories were fantastic and melodramatic, relying on spectacle over coherence.

Because of the serialization of the medium, writers often would have no long-term plan for their stories. Essentially, they’d just make it up as they went along. When a story thread was written because something had to get published that week, it was resolved in the next issue and then went back to the main story. Sometimes it would not even be addressed. As writer Raymond Chandler put it, “When in doubt have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand.”

An example of this done well is “Adventure Time” which was largely written in such a fashion, with the exception of the later seasons having pre-planned, season-long arcs. An example of this done poorly is the “Fifty Shades of Grey” books.

The illustrated stories eventually evolved into comics, and those comics inherited the serialized publication style. This is why so many comics from the silver age are so ridiculous and contain so many filler issues.

Now, however, most long-running comic stories are written with either a singular artist overseeing the stories or have an editor making sure everything is coherent.

Many comics are superb art. Alan Moore’s “V For Vendetta” is as dense and complicated as any classic novel, Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis” has been praised for its mature themes and representation of Iranian culture, and Joshua Williamson’s “Nailbiter” is as exciting as the best Stephen King novel. Moreover, the novel itself was once seen as lesser art, which seems outrageous in hindsight. The definition of literature should be updated to include newer works of art.

Banned Books Week

In celebration of those works which are not always acknowledged, Drury holds an annual banned books reading. Each year new books are added to the long list of books that have been banned from libraries and schools. 

The American Library Association says that books are usually banned “with the intentions of protecting others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information.” However, people are rebelling against the notion of silencing these stories. 

Banned Books week was the last full week of September and was “The annual celebration of the freedom to read” according to the official Banned Books week twitter account. During this week readers come together to give a voice to the stories that have been silenced.

Every year Drury celebrates Banned Books week with a reading of some of these books in front of Olin library hosted by Sigma Tau Delta, the English and Writing honors society. This year the reading took place on Sept. 26. At this event, students read passages of books that have been banned. The selections ranged from classics like the “Catcher in the Rye” to children’s books like “A Wrinkle in Time.” Some even ventured into the works of graphic storytelling, choosing to read passages from “Maus.” 

Natalie Brandy, a sophomore, chose to read a scene from “The Hunger Games.” When asked why she chose this book to read from, she said “The Hunger Games made a huge impact on me when I read it in fifth grade. It opened my eyes to a lot of injustices that exist in our world that existed in Panem. There’s many important themes, and its parallels to the real world offer a brutal criticism of the world we live in. While I can understand wanting to shield students from the violence, I also know that the book is banned due to these criticisms and Katniss’ rebellious nature, which I think is very dangerous to censor from children because it teaches that they should not stand up for themselves or others in an unjust society.”

The reading of these books opens up the discussion of why silencing these stories can impact our freedom to interpret the message behind the work. Banned books week champions for all books to be heard, even if they hold difficult themes or information.

Currents

The banned book reading isn’t the only way Drury supports literature, though. A staple of Drury’s English department is Currents. Currents is a literary magazine published by the small press publishing class once a year. Started in the early 2000s, it features work written by students at the university. 

Said editor Cheyenne Heavener, “I love that we have our own undergrad literary magazines. It’s really important to get people’s stories out there. That’s what makes life fun to live: stories. Plus you get to hear people who don’t normally tell stories.”

Every year, the publication has a theme. The past two years it has been “Androgyny” and “Perspectives.” This year, it’s “Rose-Tinted.” 

Heavener explained it’s about “not seeing things the way they are but the way you want them to be.” The works can be about the positive or negative elements nostalgia and hindsight has in our lives.

The team is also looking to expand beyond fictional writing this year. They are looking for submissions of fiction and poetry as always but also of creative nonfiction, graphic art and stories, photography and any other form of art relating to the theme. 

Submissions are limited to two written pieces which combined must be fifteen pages or less, and one piece of visual art. Visual art must be in black and white. All pieces can be submitted as a Word document or pdf to currents@drury.edu by Nov. 5.

Article by Jacob Maher and Melissa Mayfield