by Bob Gunn
Comics are a medium unlike any other as they merge visuals with the written word to tell a story. The closest form they have is film and television, but even then, they differ. Comic books are the masters of detail and controlling a reader’s movement. You can put in huge amounts of detail when necessary into a panel to convey information and a reader can look at this for as long as they like and take in as much as they desire. This doesn’t work in a novel, as it would have to be a long paragraph that would be boring to read and is tough to go over the details again and again. A movie can freeze on a screen but it can’t linger too long though. With a comic, however, you can take as much time with each panel as you think it needs and go back and forth with ease to things you may have missed. These are a comic book’s strengths.
Ever since the 1930s we have seen comics grow and grow as a medium. We’ve seen people try new ideas and formats in order to create fresh styles and concepts. Whether it’s monthly single issues, graphic novels, page a day webcomics or whatever, you can present them in different ways to further your story or hook a reader. Despite comics being popular entertainment for many years, they have never quite been as loved as their contemporaries. These characters and stories remain fashionable though and have a strong following, and this has allowed people to adapt them in new ways.
Superheroes are a great example of this. Today you can find many costumed heroes who fight villains in any form you can think of. You can go to the cinema right now and enjoy classic comic book characters and obscure ones, all with a big budget. This has brought comic heroes to a wider audience than ever. Most would know about Spider-Man, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc. but now Deadpool, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Cyborg and even Rocket Raccoon have become pop culture icons.
This isn’t the only form we’ve seen superhero style characters, as video games have also been able to successfully adapt them. Comic book style characters having amazing abilities, great villains and interesting locals and gimmicks makes them prime content to adapt for a game and this has been done in many ways. The Batman Arkham series have enabled people to immerse themselves in Batman’s world and fight like he does. Telltales’ Wolf Among Us puts you in more direct control of the cast of Fables and enables you to shape the story. Other games can be wild takes, such as Ladylucks’ Ghostbusters game. The Marvel vs. Capcom and Injustice games abandon the story of comic book characters and instead focus on their abilities and designs, taking a hyperactive and direct approach.
Comic books as a medium will likely be around forever in some form or another. They may find new popularity or become more obscure but it’s safe to say that the characters and stories they contain will be loved forever.
I think a compelling thing about superheroes is that they are an exaggerated version of us. If we’re interested in people, we’re often interested in stories of this kind.
Agreed! It’s a recipe hard to resist.
I haven’t read a comic book since childhood, but I will always love them –
and superheroes.
How true! Superheroes are definitely part of childhood–and, perhaps, well beyond.
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Thanks for the reblog!
Reblogged this on Webcomic Writer's Journey.
Glad you liked the post.
No problem! Keep up the good work!
I love how the a comic panel can make you see unique things that the creators chose to show or not to show. Great post!
Thanks, Bruce. We here at Comics Grinder celebrate the magic of comics. Well, there’s a lot of thought and care that goes into a solid work of comics but the results should be magical for the reader.
Nice to see guest columnists on Comics Grinder. I am also a superhero fan. I really enjoy the variety content on your site.
Cool. I always appreciate feedback. I’m impressed with your site too.
Thanks. Keep reading and enjoying my posts. I will be writing a blog every weekend. So enjoy
Okay. Sounds good!
Reblogged this on WILDsound Writing and Film Festival Review.
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