6 of the Best Educational Comics You Have Never Heard of

There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who binge-read graphic novels and those who think of comics as a whim to outgrow. Sure, comics are a great way to entertain yourself. But do you know that comics can be an amazing educational tool as well?

Terry Pratchett had a lifelong love for comics and claimed that comics were art which let him fall in love with books. Don’t believe the creator of Discworld himself? Check the article to learn how and which comics can empower you as a student.

Everlasting Stories or Why Read Comics? 

The first comic book as we know it first appeared in the 1930s, causing a boom of superhero culture. For those who couldn’t pay their taxes during the Great Depression, comics were a welcome exit to a different reality. 

Once you have solved the need to write a college essay by reaching PaperWriter, pour yourself some tea and dive into the list of the best education comics below. 

Why read comics? 

  • To get inspiration from those beautiful small-size pictures (perfect for artists and illustrators);
  • To learn how the social consciousness changed through decades (perfect for sociology students);
  • To explore how the design methods and drawing techniques changed in publishing. A perfect option for book designers and illustrators; 
  • To learn history and have fun (perfect for a reader from any background).

#1: ‘Watchmen’ by Alan Moore

Created as a response to Cold War and Reaganite politics in 1986, ‘Watchmen’ reflects on the power of superheroes to save the world. Nuclear war is the central problem in this graphic novel. Instead of preventing a nuclear explosion, the reader sees the authority figures planning to drop a bomb. 

In the end, superheroes are not better than the country leaders. They follow the utilitarianism perspective, sacrificing thousands to save millions. 

Why read ‘Watchmen’?

  • Each character represents one of the world’s philosophies. They are moral absolutism, materialism, utilitarianism, nihilism, and others. Learn philosophy in action for fun!; 
  • The comic tale explains the political problems in the 1970-1980s; 
  • The story has a noir vibe in its aesthetics.

#2: ‘Wonder Woman’ by Harry G. Peter

A member of the Justice League, Wonder Woman, was created as a new representation of changing femininity. In the 1940s, femininity ideas changed right after the war ended. Women no longer saw themselves as housewives or mothers.

Yet Wonder Woman was created as a new ideal female who balanced both masculine and feminine features. According to the character’s creator, Wonder Woman was a perfect leader to rule the world and serve the people at their best. 

Why read ‘Wonder Woman’? 

  • She is one of a few superheroines in the whole comic history; 
  • Wonder Woman is a feminist icon yet a great example for the growing generation of girls; 
  • She has existed for decades. Hence, you can learn world history with Wonder Woman for fun!

#3: ‘The Tea Dragon Society’ by Kate O’Neill 

This amazing book author and artist from New Zealand promotes peace and respect for each other in storytelling. Perfect for adolescents, the book shows a world in which people have domesticated dragons (the tiniest version of them). The dragons have personalities and grow tea leaves on their horns. 

O’Neill states that humans can live in peace with nature and enjoy the beauty around them.

Why read ‘The Tea Dragon Society’?

  • O’Neill teaches the reader about environmental problems and the importance to lead a mindful lifestyle;
  • The author emphasizes personal responsibility for the choices we make; 
  • The artist promotes an idea of an inclusive society. The characters represent the LGBTQA+ community and a variety of races. Hence, a great way for the young readers to learn about gender, race, ethnicity, etc.;
  • The pictures are heartwarming. 

#4: ‘The Antibiotic Tales’ by Hsu Li Yang and Sonny Liew

If you think this unpretentious tale has been designed for children and teenagers, you’re wrong. The authors answer some questions even adults are confused about. For instance, do you know you can’t treat a viral infection with antibiotics? If your answer is ‘no,’ go check the comic. It will give you more info on antibiotics than any other healthcare brochure.

Why read ‘The Antibiotic Tales’?

  • The book follows the antibiotics apocalypse plot. People who used antibiotics irresponsibly caused it. Rings a bell, right?
  • The book is a part of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. This means you’ll get any answer regarding antibiotics;
  • Learn why the overuse of antibiotics can lead to extremely expensive treatments in the future and more deaths.

#5: ‘We3’ by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely

One of the best literary works for fans of horror science fiction and PETA members. The story focuses on the governmental science institution. The organization captures domestic animals and experiments on them. The aim of the governmental project is to create a full-scale weapon – an army of technically modified animals. 

Why read ‘We3’?

  • It reflects on animal rights and the ethics of science;
  • The comic continues the topic of responsibility once started by Daniel Keyes in his notorious ‘Flowers for Algernon.’’
  • Despite the gore and horror scenes, the characters are lovely and easy to sympathize with

#6: ‘Sandman’ by Neil Gaiman

Before you say ‘there’s nothing educational in this comic series,’ think twice. Gaiman revolutionized comic storytelling by creating a well-planned tale. The story had a defined ending before the first issue was published. A masterful storyteller, Gaiman introduces Sandman as a new god in the traditional pandemonium.

Why read ‘Sandman’? 

  • It shows you the aesthetics of the 1990s and experimental art. Just look at the Sandman’s cocaine-chic style, and you’ll get the 1990s vibe; 
  • The comic book includes characters from ancient myths. A cool way to learn Greek myths without too much text to bear;
  • It’s simple – anything that Gaiman writes turns into a masterpiece. 

Final Thoughts

Yes, Batman and Superman were the pioneers of the comic realm. Probably, Americans hoped that superheroes would be the ones to solve their economic problems. As for you, comics can help you solve a few educational issues. They are fun and easy to read. Yet next time you study biology, check ‘The Antibiotic Tales’ instead of scrolling through boring textbooks.

Leave a Comment