National Read a Book Day: the benefits and joy of reading

Today is National Read a Book Day, which is celebrated every year on September 6th. As an avid bookworm, many of you know that I love books. I fell in love with reading in the seventh grade when I was introduced to The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and I began to read for pleasure as well as for my assignments. The origin behind National Read a Book Day is a bit of a mystery but whoever came up with the idea had an amazing idea. Some people reading is a favorite pastime, while for others it is a chore but overall there are many benefits to reading. I will share a few of my favorite reads as well as tips to observe National Read a Book Day. 

The benefits of reading are both for the physical body as well as your mental well-being. First, MRI scans have shown that reading creates and strengthens the sophisticated network of circuits and signals in the brain (Stanborough, 2019). Second, reading has been shown to reduce stress. Reading for a little as 30 minutes a day has been shown to lower blood pressure, heart rate and psychological distress (Stanborough, 2019). Third, reading has been shown to help prepare your brain for a good night’s rest. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic suggest reading as a regular part of your nightly routine (Stanborugh, 2019). For an individual’s mental well-being, first, reading helps increase your ability to empathize with others. Studies have shown that people who read literary fiction have a heightened ability to understand the feelings and beliefs of others (Stanborough, 2019). Second, reading helps build one’s vocabulary. Studies have shown that children who are exposed to reading at an young age develop larger vocabulary. Third, reading helps prevent age-related cognitive decline. “A 2013 study conducted by Rush University Medical Center found that people who’ve engaged in mentally stimulating activities all their lives were less likely to develop the plaques, lesions, and tau-protein tangles” associated with dementia (Stanborough, 2019). 

With all these benefits, many people ask, what should I read? Anything! Anything you enjoy. Anything that you find relaxing will provide these benefits. If you like humor, read it! If you enjoy sci-fi or fantasy, read it! The point is to engage your brain and enjoyment is a part of that engagement. There are many lists out there that claim books one must read before they die or to be considered educated. I’ve tried to read some of the books there and even as an avid reader, it was a struggle. Until I came across someone who stated that life’s too short to read books that bore you, so read for enjoyment. I mentioned The Outsiders above, here are a few of my other favorites from the classics to modern publications.

My favorite classics:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee

2. Jane Eyre (1847) by Charlotte Bronte

3. Fahrenheit 451 (1953) by Ray Bradbury

4. The Chronicles of Narnia series (1950-1956) by CS Lewis

5. Bridge to Terabithia (1977) by Katherine Paterson

My favorite modern publications:

1. The Kite Runner (2003) by Khaled Hosseini 

2. The Harry Potter series (1997-2007) by J.K. Rowling

3. Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters series (2013-2015) and it’s prequel, The Palest Ink (2015) by Kay Bratt

4. Hurricane Summer (2021) by Asha Bromfield

5. The Color of Heaven (2013) by Julianne MacLean

Now, how to observe National Read a Book Day? Simply, sit back, relax and read a book. Celebrate with a new book you’ve been meaning to read or select an old favorite. Reading doesn’t even have to be a traditional book, especially if you are trying to encourage your children to read. Comic books and graphic novels are a great source of entertainment with a complex storyline and amazing art work. Manga books, Japanese comic or graphic novels,  have grown in popularity among young adults, with their unique style of art and storytelling. Dr. Laura Jimenez of Brown University has found that comic, graphic novels and manga “provide an entry point for struggling readers, challenge gifted readers, and help more students learn” (Maxwell, 2018) and may even lead young adults to become readers of traditional books as well as comics. You can also visit a local library or a local bookstore by yourself or take your family. Have your children pick out a book to read as a family. Still unsure what to read? Librarians and bookstore staff are great sources for recommendations as well as Amazon, Goodreads and other online sources. With the growing popularity and convenience of eBooks, books can now go with us wherever we go! 

In conclusion, I love reading. I spend many hours of my day reading and writing reviews for others to hopefully pick up and enjoy as well. Reading may be a solitary activity but it can open a wide community of fellow readers. Reading has great benefits for our bodies and our minds. With so many choices and so many genres, everyone can find books they will enjoy. Whether it is a traditional book, comic books or an eBook, reading is reading. It engages the mind, reduces stress and can help us build a better community as we learn to empathize with others. Remember, reading as little as 30 minutes a day can bring these benefits. Pick up your favorite book, sit back and immerse yourself in a different world for a while. Happy National Read a Book Day! 

Reference

Maxwell, Lucas (August 2, 2018). A Friendly Reminder that Comic Books Still Count as Reading. Bookriot.com. https://bookriot.com/comic-books-count-as-reading/. Retrieved September 2, 2021. 

Stanborough, Rebecca Joy (October 15, 2019). Benefits of Reading Books: How It Can Positively Affect Your Life. Heathline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books. Retrieved September 1, 2021. 

Marvel vs DC: is one really better than the other?

Last week I discussed the differences between Star Wars and Star Trek. Today I will post a comparison between DC and Marvel comic book characters. This is another polarizing debate which has fans of both fighting angrily between them about which comic is better. DC was founded in October 1935 and is currently owned by DC Entertainment which is a subsidiary of Warner Bros, which is owned by Time Warner. The first characters featured in their comics were Doc Occult and Superman. Marvel was founded by Martin Goodman in October 1939 and is currently owned by Marvel Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company. Their first characters were the Human Torch and Namor. They added Captain America during World War II. What are the similarities and differences between the two comic book giants? Why is there such a heated debate between fans?

There are many similarities between DC and Marvel comics.  First, they both feature superheroes with extra abilities. These abilities are either naturally occurring or are caused by a freak accident. These individuals usually have to conceal their true identities to protect their friends and families (Badgett, 2016). Marvel introduced the mutants of X-Men in 1963 while DC introduced the metahumans in 1986. Second, both comics features the heroes teaming up against a threat or villain. Marvel has The Avengers and X-Men to name a few and DC has The Justice League, Teen Titans and the Doom Patrol. Third, both comics have similar characters. It is common knowledge that the comic writers created characters who were similar to characters from the other comic. For example, DC’s The Flash, who was first introduced in November 1985, is similar to Marvel’s Quicksilver, who was first introduced in March 1964. Another example is Marvel’s Deadpool, who was first introduced in February 1991, is similar to DC’s Deathstroke, who was first introduced in December 1980. What makes these characters similar is their abilities and the idea that they “steal” from each other is evident in the character’s first appearances. Deadpool, whose real name is Wade Wilson, is known as the Merc with a Mouth, an antihero is a mercenary and assassin. Deathstroke, whose real name is Slade Wilson, is a mercenary who is completed the contract his son started. According to Deadpool co-creator and writer, Fabian Nicieza gave Deadpool the real name of Wade Wilson as an inside-joke to being "related" to Slade Wilson/Deathstroke. Rob Liefeld, co-creator and artist, designed Deadpool and was also a fan of the Teen Titans comic in which Deathstroke appears.

As there are similarities, there are many differences. First, DC’s characters reside in fictional cities which resemble real cities. For example, Batman fights crime in Gotham City. Superman saves the day in Metropolis and Green Lantern operates in Coast City. While Marvel characters are live in real locations, New York City being the most popular location for many characters: The Avengers, The Fantastic Four, X-Men, The Defenders and Spiderman. Second, the abilities of DC characters are often seen as gifts or blessings which calls them to action and they do their best to embrace it (Diedrick, 2016). The powers are usually developed at a young age or gifts. For example, Superman developed his powers as he grew up under the yellow sun of Earth and Wonder Woman receives her powers as a gift from the gods. In the Marvel universe, the abilities were from freak accidents or a product of evolution which are seen as curse and causing the individuals to be outcasts or seen as monsters and thus becomes a burden. For example, Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk after a lab accident and people fear the monster he becomes. Daredevil loses his sight after an accident with a radioactive substance. Upon losing his sight, he gains heightened senses. There are DC characters who receive their abilities from accidents: The Flash, Green Lantern or even a thirst for justice: Batman or Green Arrow. However, these characters are still treated as godlike figures (Diedrick, 2016). What makes the Marvel characters different is they still deal with real life issues like money, balancing responsibilities (Quora, 2014) or having a jerk of a boss (Mojo.com, 2016). Marvel characters have been featured in dealing with the aftermath of real events, like 9/11 (Mojo.com, 2016). Third, DC has cornered the market with their animation like Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995) and movies like Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009), Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010), and Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) just to name a few. While Marvel has found gold in the live action movie market with the massive hit of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which DC is desperately trying to catch up to.

While there are many fans of both the DC and Marvel comics, there are many fans who deeply feel you cannot be a fan of one, if you are a fan of the other. Why? To find out, I read different message board threads and the number reason people consistently agreed with is because people get strangely territorial. Look at the different rivalries, which are simply opinion based but because a personal insult when someone challenges that opinion. Coke vs Pepsi, Ford vs Chevy, PC vs Mac, Xbox vs PlayStation, the list can go on and on. According to the individuals who posted on these threads, the majority of comic book fans like both DC and Marvel, although they had a general preference of one over the other, however, not enough to keep them from reading both. One individual said the people who force others to pick a side are either newbies, fanboys or both. These individuals are using wiki as their source material instead of the actual comics. Another individual said fans discuss, fanboys argue and when you don’t share their opinion, the argument usually leads to insult which is how you can distinguish a fan from a fanboy. FYI, a fanboy is a male fan who is obsessive about comics, music, movies, etc. and there is also fangirls too. These fans are known for their complete lack of objectivity and will usually argue in a circular logic that they refuse to acknowledge. With the wildly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the struggling DC Extended Universe (DCEU), the debate between some fans has become more polarizing than ever before.

In conclusion, I like both DC and Marvel. Both companies have been around a long time and with that time have borrowed from each other (one company has borrowed more than the other). My knowledge of the characters are from the 90s cartoons I grew up with and the current movies. I never enjoyed reading the actual comics but I enjoyed the characters. I’ve been a Superman fan since the 1990s show Lois and Clark (1993-1997) and more so with Smallville (2001-2011). I especially enjoy watching Henry Cavil as the current Superman. However, I have immensely enjoyed the MCU films much more than the DC films. But is Marvel better than DC? No, I think both comic books have their merits with different takes on the characters and stories. Most people I know who enjoy comic echo the sentiment I read in the message board threads, they like both but they are more likely to read one verses the other.

References

• Badgett, Emily. 8 Similarities between DC and Marvel. Fresh U.com. www.freshu.io/emily-badgett/8-similarities-between-dc-and-marvel. July 29, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
• Diedrick, Alex. What Comic Book Rookies Should Know About The Differences Between Marvel And DC. Uproxx. http://uproxx.com/movies/differences-between-marvel-and-dc/. March 21, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
• Mojo.com Top Ten Biggest Differences between Marvel and DC. YouTube.com www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3r2qF5_u_4. November 27, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
• Quora. Marvel vs. DC Comic Characters: How Different Are They? The Huffington Post. www.huffingtonpost.com/quora/marvel-vs-dc-comic-charac_b_5689075.html. August 19, 2014 Retrieved December 6, 2017. 

My favorite comic book characters

I love comic book characters. Granted, I didn't read the comic books as a kid or even now. But I watched the cartoons and I've seen the movies. It also helps that I married a man who is a fan of comic books. There are many reasons why comic books are so loved and have endured as literature. Fan boys and fan girls have lively debates about their favorite characters, comic and even comic company. The DC verses Marvel debate can get pretty heated online. My husband will often commit “Oh he’s a DC fan, no wonder he hates it.”

Why are comic books so popular? If you were ask comic book readers, you'll get thousands of different answers but I think it boils down to three reasons. First, the fantastical adventures. Who doesn't want to go into battle with the X-Men and fight the Brotherhood? Or join Superman in his unending fight with Lex Luthor. Second, who wouldn't want superhuman abilities like flight like Superman or psychic abilities like Professor X? How about cool gadgets like Batman and Iron Man? Third, the comic book stories will display real human emotions and real human consequences to the actions of its heroes. For instance, Spiderman must live with the guilt over Uncle Ben’s death. Or the X-Men must learn to live in a world that doesn't accept their differences. Batman must deal psychological effects of seeing his parents killed before his eyes. 

I grew up a Superman fan. I've seen all the movies and I've enjoying watching the Lois and Clark and Smallville TV shows and have all the DVDs. Who didn't grow up pretending to be Superman? Flying around with a towel or sheet tied around their neck like a cape? Everyone knows Superman aka Clark Kent aka the Man of Steel. He has been a beloved character since his introduction in 1938. Even the men who portrayed him have become legends themselves, namely George Reeves who played him on TV in the 1950s and Christopher Reeve who played him in the 1970s movies. However, many people don’t know that I am a fan of a few more characters.

Gambit aka Remy Etienne LeBeau who has the power to tap into the potential energy of any object and use it as a weapon. He has the hypnotic charm in order to persuade people and superhuman agility and dexterity. He is often seen using playing cards as weapons and carries a telescopic bo staff. He has burning red eyes that glow brighter as he uses his powers. I’m not sure why I enjoy this character so much. Maybe because he’s French Cajun or maybe because all his life he was used for evil means and he has struggled in his life to use his abilities for good when he joins the X-Men. Of course, it doesn't work that way.

Hawkeye aka Clint Barton. I was first introduced to this character in the Thor Movie and again in The Avengers. I enjoy a character who uses archery as his weapon of choice. I want to learn more about him and look forward to seeing him in future movies. 

Another archer, the Green Arrow aka Oliver Queen. This archer, martial artist and wealthy man had to fight his way back to civilization after being shipwrecked. He is seen as the modern day Robin Hood who fights for justice and protects those who cannot protect themselves.

The first Saturday in May every year is known as “Free Comic Book Day” and our local comic book shops are flooded with fans. And don’t assume that comic books are only for kids. In a recent poll, 75% of men and 25% of women are comic book readers and it’s about 50/50 between single (not in a relationship, engaged or in a relationship) and married. The average age of comic books are 18-45 year old!! The comic book companies are actually trying to find ways to bring in younger readers, i.e. a digital comic book for iPads and other eReaders. Overall, comic book characters are as complex as characters found in traditional book literature. They have their strengths, their flaws, their good deeds and their mistakes. They go on adventures that the reader can only dream of.