The influence of Graphic Novels

Max und Moritz – a graphic novel by Wilhelm Busch

I took the liberty to read Max and Moritz by Wilhelm Busch for this assignment. It is a classic tale of two boys playing pranks on their superiors. It has become a proud part of the culture in German-speaking countries. Even today parents like to read these tales to their children in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The two leering faces are synonymous with mischief, and appear almost logo-like in advertising and even graffiti.

This novel had and still has such a big impact on my culture that it has quite the influence on us.

-       It occurs that young German couples name their boy twins Max and Moritz respectively, depending on their individual sense of humor and the intended parenting.

-       Max and Moritz is the first published original foreign children’s book in Japan.

-       Max and Moritz became the forerunners to the comic strip. The story inspired Rudolph Dirks to create The Katzenjammer Kids

I enjoyed reading and looking at the drawings of this tale by Wilhelm Busch back when I was little but just as much today.

Another interesting illustrated book is a Charlie Hebdo - Mohammad Cartoon Book. Due to recent terrible actions that are happening in this world, this is an interesting comic to read.