Sequential Illustration Research:
Blankets:
‘Blankets’ is an autobiographical graphic novel by Craig
Thompson, published in 2003. ‘Blankets’ has had a lot of inspiration of my sequential
project. Craig Thompson demonstrates both amazing art and storytelling, in
this beautifully woven tale of the troubles of come of age.
I particularly liked his use of panel boarders, and the way
he uses different types of panel sizes in order to pace the reader. Allowing
for dramatic pauses, and quick witty dialogue, that plays out in the
imagination almost in a film like fashion (Well, at least for me it did).
In an interview I watched he explains what he called the “Breathers”. At the end of every chapter the pages become increasingly
sparse, until one small image is left for a whole page. This gives the effect
of the chapter winding down, and helping the reader understand a chapter is
coming to a close. It’s a chance for the mind to think back over the previous
chapter before moving on to the next.
It’s a powerful technique that makes the book much more
interesting to read. The whole book is full of interesting panel designs, and
the panels themselves become a part of the art and story.
Another interesting aspect of this book is the transitions
between a traditional comic book style, and a more abstract art style that
seems to focus on patterns and shape. It gives the book a really interesting dynamic,
helping the reader visualize both the chaos and beauty of the narrators mind-set.
In
this image you can see Thompson using vertical panals to empithise the tree
imagery. I also think it could be referencing heven and hell, since ‘Blankets’
has some religious undertones. The double page spread it also very symetrical,
making it pleasing to the eye and connecting the pages and giving the story
flow and pace. The use of panels in the image help separate the characters
abstract thoughts about guilt and religion from the actual main body of the
story. It helps to keep the narrative understandable.
This
illustraion takes up a whole page, and is an example of Thompson using abstact
imagery to describe more accuratly how the characters in the story are feeling.
This
image shows how Thompson uses panels and pacing to help punctuate the story. This
page is explaining what it was like to move out of his parents house. The page
on the right is especially powerful thanks to the large empty space underneath
the panel. It empathizes the emptyness of the characters room. The use of the
lonely small text at the bottom of the page, also adds to this point.
I
want to try and intertwine Thompsons expert use of paneling and pacing into my
own sequential work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydWAPCpOfr8
(Interview with Craig Thompson)
Mark Crilley:
An American illustration and writer, best known for his work
in manga style comics. I really like Crilleys work, especially his attention to
detail, which is his hallmark.
In this double page spread from Brody’s Ghost you can really
see Crilleys detailed style. His use of atmospheric perspective adds a really
cool sense of depth and ‘smog’ to the image, adding to the futuristic city
feel. This big double page spread also helps the narrative, bringing us out of
the action and story for just a moment to catch a breath and give the setting
some personality. The main characters can still be seen however as two dots in
the building on the right, middle floor.
This image again demonstrates the use of panelling in comics,
it’s not as abstract as ‘Blankets’ but it still aids the action and story. The horizontal
long panels reflect the character lying down in his bed. Giving the page a very
slow feel, just like the character slowly getting out of bed.
I want to use marks use of depth and detail in my own work,
and try to recreate the epic feel of his double page spreads.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csbgkb1vhp0
(Mark talking about how to layout pages)
Copper:
Copper is a web-comic series that I’m particularly fond of.
I really like the style and way it is presented, it’s very clean cut, and
pleasing to look at and read.
Each episode takes place over only 1 large page, making it almost
look like a piece of art in its own right. Each is beautifully coloured, and
looks very vibrant.
Below is a link to the artists process, I want to study this
process and see if I can work it in to my own project, especially the inking
and colour aspects.
http://www.boltcity.com/workshop/copper_tutorial/
(The process of making a Copper comic)
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