How Comics And Graphic Novels Make The Cut To Survive The Century
For over 70 years, graphic novels and comic books are entertaining young and old alike. The medium has begun to see substantial changes in the new digital age. The characters have gone from a G. rating to a PG rating and in some cases rated R. In some ways, the characters and storylines took a step back to the 30s and 40s at a time when many of the characters were dark and violent; the villains word on the sociopathic and the hero’s code wasn’t always black and white.
Comics these days seem to possess much more intricate storylines. Sometimes subplots are incorporated in the story so when a future occurrence materializes, you are cognizant of it. the motion picture industry have taken notice of the increased complexity of comic book stories and characters; they have found new source material. This symbiotic relationship between comics and film has drawn fans from both media together to share the excitement of this amalgamation.
Whether adapted for films, television or radio back in the 40s, comics have always been inadequately translated and recycled for popular consumption. For some it is a matter of technology; it was not easy translating the unique fantasy and storytelling medium to celluloid. The digital age and a new crop of creative talent raised on comics changed all that; the new breed of motion picture creators intrinsically understood what was needed to make the transition from their love of comic storytelling. Oftentimes I was delighted at the films, despite the fact that I had a different version of what should have been done.
Over the last decade, we’ve watched heroes fall or lose their moral compass. They are usually killed for the enormous ratings potential but of course, in the comics universe that isn’t always final. Like a good Stephen Spielberg film, these creators know how to tug the right strings that cause you to feel for the characters they’re about to sacrifice. You feel cheated. The bad guy may have gotten away in spite of the determination of the fallen heroes comrades. Like any police officer or firefighter, these heroes understood the risk they were undertaking; the writers understood those risks as well and continue to play them out to the bitter end. A sense of drama often pulls you in to the point at which you feel present at the tragedy. One of the most telling features of the new stories is the incorporation of continuity of events from one book to the next; women became pregnant and had their children while battle scars and trauma continued throughout the story arcs.
The costumes changed as well, the garish colors of tight spandex began to give way to the paramilitary tones and designs.
Unlike actors, comic book characters are ageless; they only grow old when it suits the writer. Quite often the characters look and feel is updated to conform to popular sentiment; the influence of blockbuster versions of themselves in the theaters will influence the editors and artists at the company. Apart from the most popular and enduring characters in the genre, many heroes and villains have made the costume change as a way of generating interest in their books. Whether the change takes place to fit the expectations of a new generation or to conform with their cinematic counterparts heroes and villains now easily make the stylistic transition. In fact, it is difficult to recognize some of the classic characters if you’re just reentering the comic book market after a decade or two.
After many decades, comics and graphic novels have reentered the mainstream consciousness. There’s something fresh and vibrant about an industry that understands the need for change and flexibility in service of its market. I continue to read comics for those very reasons and will probably continue for decades to come. I had been enthralled as a young boy reading comic books in my bed. I read them as an adult and am just as captivated. I admit that the most consistent element in the medium has been the amazing imagination of comic creators and their ability to draw you into their world.
I’m currently producing an online series called Jax and Hellhound. This is a remake of one of my miniseries from the 80’s. Stop by my graphic novels online blog or visit my online graphic novels website for a bit of leisurely entertainment. You can read reviews or enjoy the ongoing series Jax and the Hellhound as well as others.
Go to http://www.graphic-novels.com
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