The INITIATIVE

For years, it has been a misconception that comic books cannot help children improve reading skills. Because comics are mostly pictures and  graphics, people think that it doesn’t equate to reading at all. However, recent studies show that there are benefits in reading comic books and graphic novels.

Comic books are simplified versions of narratives, which mean that this could provide solution to a child’s reluctance to reading books. Today, children have short attention span that it is best to incorporate varied teaching approaches to facilitate learning. One varied approach is to include comics in education.

This really will be one of the most talked about projects and everyone has a chance to get involved, as everyone has an opinion and a favourite character so this will give any potential sponsorship organisation an ideal medium and format to be at the cutting edge of the ultimate in coolness, and will promote comic as a art form.

There have already been two highly successful workshops, the first being in Tetbury Goods Shed Art Centre and the second in Cheltenham Library, and were extremely popular events as both the morning and afternoon sessions were fully booked. Everyone had a  fantastic time and it was a real community event for every age from primary school children to retired people.  Everyone created their own comic page, some took them home to finish and some left them behind for an exhibition.   Throughout the summer there will be more workshops in the local libraries, throughout the Cotswolds and even in some specialised Bookshops.

At a glance:  The Initiative

• Free workshops for schools Libraries and selected bookshops;
• Reviews  on graphic novel and comics;
• Production of graphic novel;
• The graphic novel comic book awards;
• Comic Convention;
• Project work with  other countries.
• Cosplay;
• To help with literacy;