Throughout history, the graphic form has been used as a means of conveying information in many forms such as stories, words of warning, or even propaganda (Van Meter). In its most recent form, the modern comic, graphic work has often been treated as a humble art form suited primarily to teenagers and children seeking entertainment (Cengage). This mentality towards comics continued until the mid-1980s, when it was shaken by the arrival of “Maus”; a graphic novel that documented the experiences of a Holocaust survivor (Spiegelman). After winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1992, Spiegelman's work opened the door to a whole world of possibilities for graphic form in scholarly pursuits. Although this event led to the birth of countless graphic narratives, each responsible for shedding light on modern historical parodies, it is my belief that before the advent of “graphic reportage” comics had a more important socio-political relevance. Although less explicit with their messages, early comics like “The Hulk” provided valuable insights into society by taking a direct look at the pop culture of the time, using symbolism to convey public opinion, and spreading propaganda. When a work is created with the intent of being a graphic reportage, the author becomes painfully aware of the fact that he will be observed and scrutinized in this context, however when an entirely fictional comic is created its author is relieved of the constraints of this awareness of observation. Simply put, comics artists who create works of graphic reportage are vulnerable to a psychological phenomenon known as the Hawthorne effect, according to which individuals aware of being observed will find themselves... in the middle of the paper... .... Works CitedCengage, Gale. eNotes.com. 2004. April 22, 2012 <"Graphic Novels - Introduction." Contemporary literary criticism. Ed. Janet http://www.enotes.com/graphic-novels-criticism/graphic-novels/introduction>.Conroy, Mike. "The True Origin of the Incredible Hulk." N/A: Marvel Comics, 2008.Gale, EAM "The Hawthorne Studies: A Fable for Our Times? ." QJM (2004): 439-449. Lee, Stan-Writer Kirby, Jack -Penciller Reinman, Paul-Inker Simek, Art-Letters. "The Incredible Hulk." The Incredible Hulk #1. Marvel Comics, May 1962.Rocchi, James. X-Meta: An Outsider's Guide to Symbolism in Superhero Cinema (mentioned in Wonder Woman). May 2006. April 22, 2012. Spiegelman, art. "Maus: A Survivor's Tale." New York: Pantheon Books, 1986.Van Meter, Justine. "History of Graphic Novels". Orange, California, February 2012.