C. COMIC/GRAPHIC NOVELS
READER RESPONSE APPROACH
To fall asleep and wake up in a very odd world is perhaps the fear of many. People are afraid that one day they will wake up to a very strange world with literally nothing and no one by their side. It is going to make one anxious thinking how to survive in a place that does not feels like home. This is what happened to Rick in the comic “The Walking Dead” by Robert Kirkman. The piece revolves on a man who woke up from a coma only to find out that the world is full of walking corpses or zombies. It depicted how Rick managed to survive and searched for his family.
Reading this literary piece today is very timely because at some point people can relate it to the current situation of the world. Somehow the zombie apocalypse is like the spread of the corona virus. It is something that the human race cannot control and fight using their bare hands. People have to be strong and be prepared for whatever it is to come. Just like Rick and the other characters in the story, humanity have to be dauntless to survive in this trying time. Also, such comic affects people in a way that it is sentimental. Although it was very unsafe, the main character really risked his own life to find and save his family. It is something that most people would also do if they were in his situation. It’s human’s nature to be willing to die for the people that they love. However, readers might not agree with how the author addressed the issue of Shane and Lori’s affair. It was resolved in a gun fight where Shane attempted to murder Rick but Carl who is Rick’s child pulled the trigger before Shane did. Such scene resulted to Shane’s death. Ideally, children should not be portrayed as the ones committing crimes. The author should consider its effect to the readers. Also, an affair should not be punishable by death. Yes, having an affair maybe is a sign betrayal however given the circumstances people always have their reasons. Therefore, people deserves second chances to correct whatever bad thing it is that they have done. On a lighter note, the concept of the literary piece is actually good. It is something odd but in a creative way. It is the kind of story that is appealing to those who wants suspense. The way it is written makes its readers to be excited of the next thing to happen.
The most important take away in this literary piece is the importance of having hope in times of difficulty. Even if the survival chance is low, to have hope is a key to survival. Knowing that there is a little chance, it will keep people alive. Hope is the pillar that binds the world especially at the moment that the world still works hard to finally seize the corona virus. Hope is truly a waking dream.
References:
Tompkins, J. (1980) “An Introduction to Reader-Response Criticism.” Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/introliterature/chapter/reader-response-criticism/
The Walking Dead (Comic Series).(n.d.). Retrieved from https://zombie.fandom.com/wiki/The_Walking_Dead_(Comic_Series)
Bojalad A. (2019, July 3). The Walking Dead Comic: Best Moments. Retrieved from https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-walking-dead-comic-best-moments/
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