Jeremy Short Writes Business Textbook as Graphic Novel

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - A Texas Tech University professor of management is urging his students to read graphic novels in order to grasp the business world. He is also the author of the books.

USA Today reported that Jeremy Short is the author of "Atlas Black: Managing to Succeed" and the recently released "Atlas Black: Management Guru?" The books are Short's attempt to escape from standard business textbooks that "use a lot of disconnected examples and irrelevant stock photos" and create something "more like a movie" that would keep students engaged.

"Textbooks are just plain boring," he said.

USA Today described the character Atlas in the books as a "bit of a slacker" who graduates from college, learns to run a business and becomes an entrepreneur. The novels introduce students to concepts such as management, organizational behavior, strategic management and entrepreneurship.

Short told WalletPop that the graphic novel approach has won over students with its engaging visual style and a narrative that helps them retain the information.

"We know that people will remember a story and will tend to memorize or remember scenes or lines from a movie," he said. "We want that level of recall."

Short also said he wanted to be sensitive to the high cost of textbooks and find a lower cost solution. His new book is available at Amazon.com for $14.95.

He is currently working on a third novel on franchising.

The concept drew debate among USA Today's readers as some praised him for making learning entertaining. Not everyone was fans.

"I wonder when the textbook company will start publishing Doctor Marvel's comic book guide to coronary artery bypass grafts," another reader wrote.