Psychological Transformations based on Ideals and Representations of the Self, Expressed in “Humorous-Formative” Graphic Literature

Abstract

The literary genre “Bildungsroman,” also known as the coming-of-age novel or educational-formative novel, in the form of “Bildungsroman” graphic stories is addressed in this research. We are interested in the importance of constructing utopian versus dystopian visions of the world, with their resulting emotions and feelings that arise from the” hero’s/heroine’s” struggles against antagonistic events and circumstances resulting from own personal experiences and impulses. The reader-spectator will be shown how these narratives are technically and artistically expressed in humorous, satirical, or comical ways. Our working hypothesis is that this literary genre effectively demonstrates psychological realities and circumstances with which the reader-spectator can identify by becoming involved in idealized scenarios, developing and transforming awareness, as well as improving a self-esteem. Educational-formative humorous graphic novels acquire the status of “clinical-pedagogical instruments” since they open, for clinicians and non-professional audiences, the possibility of a deep understanding of critical periods of development, as well as the steps to follow in order to enhance next stages of mental and psychological growth.