First off, I am a big fan of "graphic novels", unfortunatley I have not read as many as I would like, as my time for reading for pleasure is limited by my being an English major.
The added images that come along with the graphic novel format, only change the way I read slightly. Firstly, it provides the reader with more to analyze. Rather than being left with only text to glean meaning from, it also provides the images. this allows the writer to be more sure their purpose is getting across. Visually everyone is on the same page (no pun intended) with the images the author wants to get across, rather than everyone imaginging something different. Though some argue that this does have the negative effect of lessening one's creativity/imagination.
I disagree with this contention, however, since the "graphic novel" format can get the reader more engaged. If one panel has a character stealthily creeping and the next shows an explosion (for example) it says nowhere that the character set the explosion though that is the implication. The reader has to connect the dots for themselves. Also, the images can contain details that are important later on, just as a narrator's description can be important later on. These details are carefully planned out by the author. When a "graphic novel" author (who is not also the illustrator) writes, they describe every pannel, including setting, and character descriptions, not just dialogue. So they put in as much, if not more planning into their writing than a "traditional" writer.
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2 comments:
I'm with you, man. I love that comics are really laid out in front of you, without a multitude of different opinions on how a character looks, how the action looks as it plays out, etc.
A writer can describe to me the ballet of an intense kung-fu battle, but I'd much rather see Iron Fist(for example) trade blows with an opponent while, perhaps, reading his inner monologue in a caption box. And if an artist is particularly talented a scene like this can be fucking beautiful to look at.
I would never go so far as to say that comics/graphic novels are superior to traditional literature, but they certainly have a very different and rewarding experience to offer.
I used to share your opinion, but I think I've become conditioned to the linear progression (at least in terms of layout) of traditional literature.
Reading comics is sometimes a pain, because I'm kind of obsessive/compulsive in that I can't just gloss over some frames, I have to look at every single one. While still entertaining, it is easier for me to just read text.
I do agree, though, that graphic novels are able to convey a selection of content that plain text isn't able to compete with. And you know what they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words."
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