Starting out, I really had/still have little to no clue of anything about Watchmen. With every mention of a character's name, I am learning something completely new. Since this book does make references in to the past, it can be slightly difficult to keep up with all of the different aspects in it. I think that the intricately drawn illustrations are what make the story effective. Only so much can be said through words and dialogue, but with such detailed panels, way more is revealed. Small references such as the news paper's headline being snuck in there provides a greater depth that cannot be revealed through words. Not only do I find the illustrations to provide greater depth to the story, but I also find them quite helpful. Instead of having to imagine what someone may look like, there is a descriptive picture right there in front of you. I find the illustration of Rorschach particularly interesting because his "mask" and overall appearance portrays him as the seemingly dark man he is. Not to mention, the illustrations make the comic book read as if it was a movie. I think Mary mentioned this in class and I definitely agree with her. Just by simply looking from panel to panel you are able to watch the story line unfold, and I am looking forward to seeing how illustration is used throughout the rest of the novel. Do you think that this book would still be as "good" and descriptive without the pairing of illustration with it?
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
The Effect of Illustration So Far in Watchmen
Starting out, I really had/still have little to no clue of anything about Watchmen. With every mention of a character's name, I am learning something completely new. Since this book does make references in to the past, it can be slightly difficult to keep up with all of the different aspects in it. I think that the intricately drawn illustrations are what make the story effective. Only so much can be said through words and dialogue, but with such detailed panels, way more is revealed. Small references such as the news paper's headline being snuck in there provides a greater depth that cannot be revealed through words. Not only do I find the illustrations to provide greater depth to the story, but I also find them quite helpful. Instead of having to imagine what someone may look like, there is a descriptive picture right there in front of you. I find the illustration of Rorschach particularly interesting because his "mask" and overall appearance portrays him as the seemingly dark man he is. Not to mention, the illustrations make the comic book read as if it was a movie. I think Mary mentioned this in class and I definitely agree with her. Just by simply looking from panel to panel you are able to watch the story line unfold, and I am looking forward to seeing how illustration is used throughout the rest of the novel. Do you think that this book would still be as "good" and descriptive without the pairing of illustration with it?
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I think the stellar artwork in the graphic novel really allows there to be a deeper understanding of the text. I completely agree with you and Mary that there is sort of a movie feel to the book. The flashbacks in the panels is one thing that made me think of this as well as movies often have these flashback scenes. One interesting point that you made is that you like being given the illustration of Rorschach since his appearance allows us as the readers to realize how dark of a person. I find that often many prefer to use their own imagination to picture characters. However, in this scenario with these complex characters I personally think it is better that we are given these concrete characters and what they look like.
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations are phenomenal! Like Neve said, there is only so much dialogue you can include in a speech bubble. One thing that I found very interesting is the scene where Rorschach and Night owl talk in Night Owl's "lair." Rorschach leaves Night Owl with the news that the Comedian is dead. Then the last scene is Night owl looking down at the bloodied smiley face pin with his costume in the background. For me this foreshadows that he will be back and seek vengeance on who ever did this and team up with Rorschach again.
ReplyDeleteDue to the fact that I am not used to reading comics it was easy for me to get lost in the dialog. Some parts I would rush through with out even looking at the pictures themselves. In the end I had to force myself to go back and look through the illustrations and how they correlated to the dialog. I was very impressed with the artistic style and unique aspect this added to the story. The many details were pleasing to the eye and I enjoyed the contrast of some bright colored objects with the relatively dull background.
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