Marvel That

Over a month ago, I had given Eric a couple of comic book collections he had put on his wishlist for his birthday. They were 2001-02 versions of Spider-Man. As a surprise extra, I threw in a reprint of the original Avenger series from 1963. Over the following weeks, I would notice Eric lounging on the couch and happily reading the books out loud with dramatic voices for the characters. Then last week I happened to ask if he had finished all of them. He said he didn’t read the Avengers because it was “too hard.” I asked him to explain, because I thought all superhero comic books were pretty much the same as far as reading level. He said it was “old style --1960’s.” I took a look to see what the heck he was talking about, and was both surprised and amused by the difference.

I suppose for a typical 14-year-old, comprehension of the earlier literary style of comics would not have been an issue. But for Eric, who is three grade levels behind his classmates in reading, and has difficulties with figures of speech and idioms, 50 years of evolving american english is a huge difference.

I told Eric we could read it together, which has actually been a lot of fun for both of us. He had me do the parts of Thor, the Hulk, and all the female characters. Eric loves doing the villains. He insisted on using a “60’s voice” for the narrator. I have no idea where he got this from, but he sounded somewhat like a radio announcer from the fifties. By the way, now I know what a “dreadnaught” is...

Image from ussalabama.com