BY CHRISTINA RIVERO
Television and comics seem like a peculiar mix. In fact, most people don’t even believe that some popular T.V. shows have comic book series to go along with it them (i.e. The Walking Dead, Arrow, Adventure Time, and Supernatural.) However, the comics aren’t screenplays of past episodes, scripts, or some sort of exclusive look into the future of the show, they are simply mini stories showing character’s actions or events outside of the continuity of the episodes.
These short stories may foreshadow possible events in the actual shows, but they usually give personal insight into a character that a 30-minute or an hour program can’t provide due to the lack of time. When people complain that there isn’t enough character development in a show, the comic version can compensate.
With the rising popularity of certain shows, it would seem as though getting extra stories through comics would be ideal. Nevertheless comic sales for these titles are low (compared to actual viewers) because it is a commodity either people are unaware with or don’t find to be worth investing in. People see comics as extra money and insist that TV shows are essentially free. Truth be told, comics do become costly, especially if you purchase them every month. Also with TV comics, you eventually come to realize that while your show airs once a week you have to wait an entire month between issues of the comic. By that time, the buzz from that week’s episode has already faded.
In a sense, people simply don’t enjoy comics as much as a show they see happening before their eyes. Comics can be seen as “extra material” since you do not have to read the comics in order to comprehend the show’s plot, characters, etc. In some cases they explain more of a subject but they aren’t needed in order to grasp the storyline of the television show.
In the end, regardless of whether or not you enjoy a show or its comic, there will always be people who question whether you need both. In my case I believe that they’re worth the read if you’re passionate about a show you’re watching. It’s a nice collector’s item and can help further explain certain situations in a TV show’s plot that could use more depth.
