Nancy Silberkleit is the daughter-in-law of Archie Comics founder, Louis H. Silberkleit and current co-CEO of the company. Here, she graciously took time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions on a passion dear to her heart and vision: comics in education and literacy.

1. How have comics, especially Archie, been a viable tool in promoting literacy? 

This particular question I treasure and identify as one of the most important questions of Archie Comics, as it has been posed to me many times.
My response to this question is featured on various media platforms and educational forums around the globe. “Zam, wham, wow” is what my heart says in thinking about how Archie Comics is the brand not just associated with, but connected with learning, language, and reading. The phrases, “Archie Comics is how I learned English” or “Archie Comics is how I learned to read!” are often told to me by audience members at events I’ve been a speaker at.
Further your question sparks personal emotions for me and has become the topic that flows through my veins. From my research on the subject matter, it seems to indicate illiteracy is still an issue both in the United States and globally. At a very young age I struggled with reading,and so I understand how that can affect one’s self-esteem and confidence and because of this I am very invested in the cause of literacy.  

 How the brain itself learns to read is a biological mystery, but studies have shown the earlier a child is given the gift of learning through books, it can help greatly with cognitive ability.   As many of us have experienced, we are taught or shown at a young age, picture books, the alphabet and words. All of that is to flow into our brains for processing and onto critical thinking. But what exactly has to occur in order to become a reader? No one exactly knows. My personal experience on becoming a reader has been a long  journey – a journey I never put much thought into – until I was asked “Can comics be a viable tool in promoting learning?”  That question is a golden buzzer moment, an absolute “Yes!” Engagement to learning is key and that is exactly what comics do!

From what students and adults have told me, Archie Comics has moved people forward in learning how to read, and importantly, enjoying how to learn the English language. Students have also said that Archie Comics instilled values, demonstrated friendship, kindness to animals and a love for reading! It’s a reading experience that naturally compels us to turn the pages. Archie Comics has certainly provided us with an abundance of enjoyable, interesting stories. When I started picking these comics up, it was the Archie Comics’ vibrant graphics depicting the ups and downs of teenage life sparked my curiosity to turn those pages so many times, it’s what connected me to discover the love of reading.

Learning to read is one thing, but finding a love of reading is magic with boundless adventures, exquisite joy and a true place where you can fall off your world and into the place you want to be for escape and fun! Comic books bring the reader into a platform to dive into not only fantasy, adventure, mysteries but historical fiction as well. Yes, comic books can be utilized to teach both fictional and non-fiction topics. Historical facts have been woven into our stories at Archie Comics, as well as information on science, civics, and social justice. The storylines are fun, humorous and relevant but I see Archie Comics proving a service, a service on many levels. Our writers, pencilers, and the whole team certainly put in the work to provide storylines that you want to be a part of as well as discuss! I say the magic our writers and pencilers lay out in the panels spark our fan’s conversations, an Archie conversation they propelled the brand around the globe.

At a recent book signing a fan said ,”Archie Comics!” Wow how this morning when I got up I didn’t know I would be seeing my beloved friends!”

Another golden buzzer moment for  Archie Comics! We all go through our days without thinking too much about our experiences on how we learned things. However, I can say with certainty, based on what audiences have said to me who learned to read and acquired a love for reading through Archie Comics, they carry and hold onto the Archie memory forever. 

What touches me is when a parent with their child sees Archie Comics and goes into an emotional memory of their childhood, diving fully into a vulnerable period of time. These moments all embrace how Archie stories transferred themselves into happier times, a less stressful reality. What Archie Comics means to people is astounding!

On a more formal note, scientific studies showed that comic books are one of the most complex literary experiences a person can have when reading. It may be why comic books have attracted a broader audience through the years. The United States Common Core Standards recognize the enriching cognitive learning platform for reading skill development that comic books and graphic literacy provide.

As the Co-CEO of Archie Comics, I’m proud to have coined the quote:  
“Comic Books + People = Reading, Knowledge, Creativity and Confidence.”