Book Bloggers International: February Firsts: Kelly Rogers

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

February Firsts: Kelly Rogers - First Graphic Novels

Please welcome Kelly from The Written World to the blog today!

Let's face facts... I used to think I was not a graphic novel person. I wanted to be, but I didn't understand how a graphic novel could be anything as wonderful as a full-length novel. And, it came down to finances. I read fast. How was I supposed to justify reading something that cost so much in less than an hour?

So, graphic novels just circulated around me and I held my wallet close. In 2006, I read what I consider my first graphic novels, namely Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. They were review copies, though, so I didn't feel as stressed about the financial side of things. And, I admit that I loved them! But, I still wasn't clicking with the medium. As a result it was not until 2009 that I finally braved the graphic novel world...

Every year for Christmas my 'big gift' is gift cards to buy books with... I decided this was the year that I was going to be brave and buy some graphic novels that I had been hearing good things about: Maus and Fables. (Now that I look back on that, those were two very different experiences to start with!) It didn't matter though

because it happened! It clicked! And, now I may be a graphic novel junkie. By the end of 2009, I was caught up with Fables. And, I consider it my first graphic novel love because it has been an on-going love. I still get excited with every release.

I am not sure if I would have taken to graphic novels if I had never started this blog. It was all because of glowing posts and pressure from other bloggers that I even ventured into the medium. And, even then, I was reluctant. But, it has lead to many other firsts and I hope it continues to inspire great experiences in my reading. Fables may be coming to an end this year; but it will always hold a special spot on my shelves and you never forget your first love....