We
might say that Wilhelm Busch was one of the first people in the world
to write “graphic novels” or “comic books.” But he
wouldn't say that, because those terms hadn't been invented yet.
(Plus, he spoke German!)
Wilhelm
Busch was born on this date in 1832 in the village of Wiedesahl, in
the Kingdom of Hanover (today part of Germany). In his early 30s,
Busch wrote a very famous and influential book about two boys: Max
and Moritz – A Story of Seven Boyish Pranks.
The
story of the “terrible duo” is told in rhymed couplets and
through pictures. It is considered a very inventive example of “black
humor”—that is, it makes light of otherwise solemn subjects. Some
people say it is the first children's book that acknowledges that any
child has ever done anything wrong or mischievous.
And,
as I said, some consider it an early example of a comic book.
Even
today, parents in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland read the seven
tales to their young children, and people are assumed to know the
story and the rhymes. There are many references to Max and Moritz in
popular culture, and the illustrations of their smiling faces are
used in both advertising and graffiti. People who have twin boys
often name them Max and Moritz!
I
am amazed at the continued popularity of these stories with parents
of young kids, and especially the fact that parents name their kids
after the main characters—given the horrible fate that befalls the
boys at the end of the book! I guess when critics say the book is an
example of “black humor,” they really mean it. Gallows humor,
even!
To
celebrate Busch's birthday...
...read
Max and Moritz. In this Rosetta Project presentation of the
book, English translations are available when you click the button
marked “English.”
...read
other comics, either online
or in comic books.
...create
your own comic book. It's
most fun to create your own characters and draw your own stories by
hand. However, it can also be fun to use online tools such as
Professor Garfield's X-treme Comics
tool and this Marvel comic maker.
Also
on this date:
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