By Lauren White

The evil Fiscal Foe is at it again, this time attacking the world with a devastating economic crisis. It is time for a masked avenger to swoop in and save the day. Unfortunately, we do not live in a world of costumed superheroes or masked vigilantes. We must face our hardships alone. But many have used the alternate reality found in comic books and graphic novels as a way to evade the hurdles of reality. When asked why he reads comic books, sophomore Austin Williams replied, “It gets my mind off things, and helps me to escape.”

Comic books present a different reality. One that is easier to see than our own because although comics often have complicated plats and themes, they are simply putting a twist on the plots and themes of our own reality. This also makes comics and graphic novels easier to relate to, and thus, for many, more enjoyable to read than traditional books. Novels present a story, not an alternate world where a reader might wish to live in, or at least, escape to. “I can’t get into books,” says Williams. “But I can [get into] comics and graphic novels.”

Renowned novelists have even catered to the recent trend in comic book popularity, as they have begun to incorporate the style into their own writing. In one of Jodi Piccoult’s latest novels, The Tenth Circle, one of her characters is a cartoonist. Half of her story is told in graphic novel form. Piccoult has also written five issues for the Wonder Woman comic book series.

The film industry has greatly benefited from the popularity of comic books and graphic novels. The superhero movies have been around since the 1970s with the production of Superman. But it is only recently with the productions of Batman Begins, The Dark Night, and Watchmen that the superhero movie has developed into a true craze. Opening day alone, The Dark Night hauled in a record $67.8 million. And Watchmen pulled in a smashing $55 million. It seems everyone wants to be part of the action-packed superhero world.