Essays on Comics

Scott McCloud book, Understanding comics: The Invisible Art uses symbols and concepts like human reflection. Often, artists recognize these concepts, blend this creation of symbols, simple or distinct, to invoke different feelings and reactions within the readers and to deliver certain messages and emotion to the audience. McCloud makes the reader an active partaker within the comics and to create own realism based on own visions and ideas. Arguably, when taking the images, symbols, icons, and drawings and putting them in a picture, language and reality, differentiating them from abstract, the realism, and considering all icons/images that fall between, Continue reading...

Typically when we think of comics we think of children. Their excitement mounts as superheroes defeat villains or save damsels in distress. Comic books are one dimensional and transparent with little to offer the adult world other than nostalgia. Or is there something more to them? It would be difficult for the average person to open a comic book and understand that there are a multitude of communication devices at work on the vibrant pages of Batman or X-Men. It would be equally difficult to ponder of comic books were actually more relatable because they were drawn as cartoons, Continue reading...

SECTION 1:

1.2) Genre analysis: Consider the role of genre in understanding comics and manga. Compare comics from two different genres and discuss your results. You might find the reading by Coogan (posted on the course readings page on Desire2learn) useful in your answer. The genre analysis handout, which you might find helpful, is posted to the Desire2Learn exam materials page. 
Comics are considered as a genre of reading materials accompanied by distinct imagery that is presented in a form of conversation between the characters through the use of conversation balloons. Emotions and presentation of distinct human element in each comic Continue reading...

1. I read Akira Vol. 1 by writer and illustrated Katsuhiro Otomo. I borrowed a copy of the version published by Dark Horse Comics in 2000. The series was first published, however, during the 1980s in Japan.
2. I selected this specific issue because it introduces the readers to the interesting world created by Otomo. When I started reading Akira, the story immediately grabbed my attention because of intriguing story and the interesting characters. Moreover, the idea of a post-apocalyptic Japan was both stimulating and daunting.
3. Otomo worked on Akira. What I like best about the illustrations is Continue reading...

Spider-man is a fictional character, which firstly appeared in comic book as the super hero that saves city citizens from evil and cruel anti-heroes. This idea came up to Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. There were no such comics as Spider-man in 1962, but he has been shown in Amazing Fantasy (cover-dated Aug. 1962) comic book. This fresh idea became a revolution in comics; people loved it. Kids waited in line-ups to get a new, just published comic book with another story that happened to our hero. As we look through comics, we can see that this series can Continue reading...

History of Developing Manga

Isao Shimizu, author of ‘the history of Manga’ / ‘Manga no Rekishi’, cites drawings from the 12th and 13th century as the first manga texts. Today manga is part of the pop culture in Japan and the world over. It comprises of story-driven narratives (usually a complete novel-like work of an author), composed with stylized illustrations, flexible use of linguistic text (onomatopoeic and spoken) and discursive frames. It uses visual designs manipulated to function as iconographic. Manga has identifiable vocabularies and registers temporal spatial relationships into the characters in the narration to give them multiple voices, personalities and mental Continue reading...

Children’s Literature has often been ignored by the academic world, especially when it is examined strictly on its content matter. The level of sophistication, as a story and as a study, is questioned especially when pitted against criticisms that do not take into account the structure of children’s stories. A narratological approach may be a way to elevate the reception of Children’s Literature study and also give a deeper understanding of the story at hand. Before going on, perhaps it would be wise to understand what the term “narratology” means. Narratology refers to the branch of Continue reading...

Who is an ordinary person? This is a question that has numerous answers depending on various circumstances. Some of the conditions may include; the environment, the culture that surrounds the individual or what the person or society at large has been led to believe by their doctrines and each other’s expectation. One of the many definitions of an ordinary person is a person who often settles for expectations of the society and does whatever it takes for that approval. They put their wishes and desires aside fearing that changes may occur. They settle for less than what they Continue reading...

Spider-Man was created in 1962 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko for Marvel Comics ("Comic Art"). Ever since his first appearance in the comic book Amazing Fantasy #15, Spider-Man has entertained audiences and become a global phenomenon ("Comic Art")! His image has become easily identifiable worldwide and his persona has become synonymous with the word “super hero”.
The original Spider-Man comics have spawned countless movies, books, television series and merchandise. The image of Spider-Man has become so engrained into society that the world has fallen in love with this underdog hero and feels “a sharp mixture of projection, longing, Continue reading...

Marvel Comics and Studios is a media franchise based and owned by American business persons. Its basic line of operations includes the production of a fictional universe shared on a super-hero film basis (Howe 13). The characters of most of the eventual productions are founded on publications by Marvel Comics as a line of production. Over the recent and subsequent years, the Marvel comic has extended its line of production to include short films, television series and comic books (Butler 26). It is important to note and record that the irreducible minimum is the crossing over effect created in Continue reading...

Alan Moore is considered one of the most famous contemporary writers whose literary prowess has been exemplified in various graphic comic works that became popular worldwide. He was reportedly born in Northampton, England on November 18, 1953 . He was noted to have been instrumental in making literary works considered as graphic novels through popular titles such as America’s Best Comics, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Promethea, Tom Strong’s Terrific Tales, Tomorrow Stories and Top Ten . Other famous works included Watchmen and V for Vendetta, both of which have been turned into films; including The League of Extraordinary Continue reading...

The influence media has on society is often underestimated because it contains subliminal messages that are, by definition, absorbed unconsciously. The media, including magazines and television commercials, normalize attitudes toward sexually explicit images, gender roles and unrealistic body expectations. In particular, the article "Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt," the author, Jean Kilbourne argues that advertising has acquired an important role in portraying females as objects and normalizing overall attitudes toward the female body. In contrast, Susan Bordo's story "Beauty (Re) Discovers the Male Body" focuses on the distorted image of the male body. In spite of describing Continue reading...

Is a Picture Really Worth a Thousand Words

In Art Speigelman’s graphic novel Maus I and II we get many actions illustrated in pictures instead of words. The novel portrays his father holocaust survival story and relationship with Vladeks. The comic book style pages show a powerful message through symbolism and the mimics. The novel begins with generalizing the Jews, the Polish, and the Germans with different animal characters. The Jews as mice, the Germans as cats, and the Polish as pigs. His novel depicts cat and mouse gaming struggles. The Jews were suffering, when were closed in this circle being sent into concentrations camps by Continue reading...

Dear Executives of Marvel Comics,

I feel immensely pleased in writing to you as Marvel has been one of the best publishers of comic books and continue to entertain its readers from the time it came into existence, which was in 1939. Since the beginning of your company, you have delivered great entertainment to the people through excellence and strong commitment to your work. Your company has undoubtedly given us some of the most gripping superhero stories which have kept the readers amused and wanting for more, every time they read it.
The introduction of new teen superheroes and the existing list of many Continue reading...

Opportunities

Marvel has various opportunities which it should take advantage of to enhance its performance. The first opportunity is online services. Lately, investing on use of online is one of the factors that are making a big difference when it comes to competitiveness. The company should focus on online marketing and distribution to expand its market globally. The second opportunity is associated with innovation. With innovation, it means that the company would be in a position to produce products that addresses the needs of the customers, which keep on changing from time to time. The third opportunity is venturing into Continue reading...

Brian K Vaughan’s hero in Ex-Machina, Mitchell Hundred, is a reimagined hero.

While the hero as a literary figure exists in a variety of literary contexts, comics are the literary medium where a hero feels most at home. Though comics can be written to explore any theme that can be explored in any branch of writing, comics are most commonly associated as having a hero. An example of the traditional archetype of the super-hero would be Superman or Batman. Comic scholar Christopher Gonzalez defines this as America’s idealization of the individual. (Gonzalez, 2011). He breaks the mold of the traditional hero. What is the political and social significance of this Continue reading...

The movie Elektra and the original comic book have a lot of differences and similarities. The differences and similarities are due to changing characters, plot, and theme.

Differences

On the other hand, the two have differences with plotting. The original comic book narrates the story of Elektra after death, how the master revived her, and how she started training other young ninjas. The movie gives a different story about Elektra’s death. In the movie, the actor was stabbed by one of her own while in the comic book the actor was killed by an enemy. Another difference observed between Continue reading...

Introduction

The “Walking Dead” is a television film series focusing on a world filled with flesh-eating as well as walking zombies. This film is a dramatic post-apocalyptic series of horror genre based on the “Walking Dead” comic book authored by Charlie Adlard in collaboration with Kirkman Robert and Moore Tony. This American-based film series is a development of Frank Darabont, who is a writer and a co-writer of six episodes of the first season of the series. Season one of the horror series begins with the awakening from a coma of Rick Grimes, the sheriff’s deputy, only to confront Continue reading...

For my narrative reflection and journey into a visual experience I chose to visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It exhibited many pieces I was able to connect to McCloud’s theories about closure and visual literacy (6). Certain pieces stood out more than others, inanimately, but somehow speaking to me. Collections spoke, punctuated, and ended themselves as comics do with direction, icons, and framework. McCloud’s philosophy on our sense of self in relation to what we see around us was also very present during my excursion (10). I saw myself differently depending on what exhibit Continue reading...

Violent media is good for kids

Thesis statement
The negative impacts of violent media as opposed to the opinions that will be brought forward through a critical analysis of “violent media is good for kids” by Gerald Jones

Introduction

We live in an environment where media forms the basis of our lives. It affects our thinking, interactions and social behavior. Media can be used for positive or bad purpose, depending on the kind of media an individual is exposed to. Gerald Jones, in his article, seeks to argue on the effectiveness of violent media as a means of shaping a child’s character. He encourages parents Continue reading...

Batman is a famous long time superhero that transcends one generation to generation. He is known for his bat costume and abilities that roam silently in the dark. He is a hero on his own. His might and power has been proven to be a sole merit for people to recognize his abilities. Batman is a solitary superhero for a long time. While it is true that Batman survived many of his heroic quests alone, fighting the good fight for freedom and justice for the society can best be won when fought with a partner. For Batman’s case, Continue reading...

For my narrative reflection and journey into a visual experience I chose to visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It exhibited many pieces I was able to connect to McCloud’s theories about closure and visual literacy (6). Certain pieces stood out more than others, inanimately, but somehow speaking to me. Collections spoke, punctuated, and ended themselves as comics do with direction, icons, and framework. McCloud’s philosophy on our sense of self in relation to what we see around us was also very present during my excursion (10). I saw myself differently depending on what exhibit Continue reading...

Abstract

The aim of this report is to explain what the meaning Japanese popular culture. In this context it shall be also outlined what it means to be cool in Japan and what the potential implications for spreading of Japanese popular culture into other cultures and distinct societies are. The examples of popular music bands and manga will be analysed.
Key words: Japanese popular culture, manga, anime, history, brand, fashion.
In the contemporary world with its fast and predictable tempo of development and spreading of globalisation, it becomes quite difficult to distinguish one culture from another or the line between Continue reading...

Allusion is a literary style that is categorized as a figure of speech. It is used to refer to or represent or refer to particular, person, place, other literary works, and works of art or even myths. This could occur in a piece of literature either directly or indirectly. When used in literary works, the comparison is usually slightly hidden and the reader is expected to make the connection by themselves. At times the author may use personal language making the allusion quite difficult to make out or even not noticeable to the reader. Allusion can therefore be concretely Continue reading...

On a first look, the visual similarity between Pavitr Prabhakar and Peter Parker are unmistakable. Spider man’s costume is unmistakable. Beyond the immediate recognition of spider man, however, are characteristics that the American audience will immediately recognize: this Spiderman wears a highly stylized and impressive version of what looks like the Indian shalwar kameez or dhoti. Together with the sandals, the representation of Indian culture is apparent. Whereas both of these superheroes learn the lesson that “with great power comes great responsibility” in the same way, the stories are different. Prabhakar does nothing to help a woman in Continue reading...

The book, “the ocean at the end of the lane," by Neil Gaiman, starts with a prologue that acts as a window to the idea in it. The prologue begins with the narrator at a funeral, dressed for the occasion. He states that he has done his part through the speech that he was to give. The writer wants to escape the tense situation in meeting all the people that he had known when he lived in his hometown. Page nine discloses the narrator’s discomfort at being asked personal questions when his life was so unorthodox. He was Continue reading...

Peter Parker, also known as the Amazing or Spectacular Spider-Man is one of the most celebrated super heroes of all time. This is not only illustrated by his world-wide appeal but also buy the numerous media that have been dedicating to telling his story. This media includes over 15 comic book titles, a Broadway musical and two movie franchises. With so many Spider-Man stories being and have been told, one of the fundamental question of Spider-man fans and followers alike is how is continuity achieved across so many platforms. This question is especially pertinent when considering the comic book Continue reading...

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a fictional novel by Junot Diaz. The book chronicles the lives of its main characters in two contexts, New Jersey in America and the Dominican Republican. The main character in the book is Oscar Wao, an obese boy growing up in New Jersey who is obsessed with fantasy and science fiction books as well as falling in love. Oscar is also obsessed with a curse has he believes has plagued his family for many years. The book also features a host of other characters with one of them being Yunior who Continue reading...

When you watch Arrow, an American show based on DC Comics hero character, Green Arrow, you know you are going to enjoy hours of suspense and action. Arrow, ideally, captures the story of a rich youth Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) who after five years of being stranded in a deserted island returns home as a secret vigilante with the core aim of fighting crime and corruption in his home city, Starling city. Just like any other Television Show, Arrow has its own share of highs and lows that may impact differently on different segments of the viewers.
The show’ Continue reading...

When you watch Arrow, an American show based on DC Comics hero character, Green Arrow, you know you are going to enjoy hours of suspense and action. Arrow, ideally, captures the story of a rich youth Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) who after five years of being stranded in a deserted island returns home as a secret vigilante with the core aim of fighting crime and corruption in his home city, Starling city. Just like any other Television Show, Arrow has its own share of highs and lows that may impact differently on different segments of the viewers.
The show’ Continue reading...

Introduction

Every culture has its heroes and villains. Heroes are utilized to teach us important themes on good and evil and to help set the framework for acceptable behaviour in society. Children grow up learning about heroes and villains as examples of how the ideal person behaves and what happens when an individual turns ‘evil.’ Children also grow up imitating these stories as they internalize the lessons. We all have memories from our childhood where we pretended to be a good guy and captured the bad guy to prevent him from wrecking evil on the world. Modern children also engage Continue reading...

English

Thesis Statement and Introduction
Has it ever occurred to you that children love reading comics and watching fairy tale movies more than reading story books? Ask them what they’ve understood from a fairy tale that was screened on TV recently and they’ll keep talking about it till you fall dead. On the contrary, ask them to read a story book and see what happens. I’ll bet that they wouldn’t get through to the second page. Pictures and color attract children and adults alike, and while adults like to watch movies, children love to watch cartoons Continue reading...

Introduction

There are a number of vernacular languages which have gradually developed in Europe over the years. The French language which is mainly used in France and also in other parts of Europe is one of the vernacular languages in Europe. The French language, which is widely in use in Europe, was developed from Vulgar Latin. Vulgar Latin is the language that was mainly used in the Roman Empire as the vernacular language. The Romans conquered modern France, which used to be the ancient Gaul from the residents who were Gaulish speakers, a language categorized to be a Celtic language. Continue reading...

Identify the members of the League and the books they come from. Who are the writers of these works and what kind of literature seems to be the main source of inspiration for the comic?
The members of the League include Captain Nemo (Prince Dakkar), The Invisible Man (Hawley Griffin), The Honourable Mr. Edward Hyde, and Allan Quatermain. The team was reportedly gathered by its leader, Wilhelmina Murray. Captain Nemo was the character that was apparently developed in a novel written by Jules Verne and entitled Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. As could be deduced, the original literary Continue reading...

In the two decades leading up to World War II, there was considerable criticism leveled against the genre of the comic book, because there was the fear that the multicolored magazines would lead to the erosion of conventional literacy, including such competencies as the ability to focus on plain text, read sequentially from left to right, as well as the misguided notion that conventional literature dealt with acceptable subject matter that steered clear of controversy, while comic books had edgier content (anyone who had read James Joyce, for example, knew that this last claim simply was not true). Once Continue reading...

Film Studies Paper – Star Wars

What is the point of a teacher, aside from the obvious work of teaching? Is he merely there to talk about things in a hypothetical manner? Is he there to pass on things that he has learned even if they mean nothing to him? Is he there to take credit and blame for all of his student’s achievements and failures?
These questions have always buzzed around the heads of teachers and students since the dawn of time but one thing that is known about this profession is that there is nothing more rewarding in such a stressful job Continue reading...

Introduction:

Film noir can be seen from several aspects principally a portrayal of a certain aspect as well as a creation of a particular atmosphere. The Dark Night is perhaps no more film noire than other more descriptive films but it certainly has elements which are typical film noire. The argument that a woman has to be present to make a film noire has already been argued extensively before especially in the appraisal of ‘The Maltese Falcon’ which has been described as being a precursor of the genre but not the actual genre. The Dark Night contains several aspects which Continue reading...

Betye Saar, Michael Ray Charles, Kerry James Marshal and Kara Walker

Art and History
The history of African-American people and slavery in the United States can be difficult to face and therefore it is often easy to ignore. The four artists Betye Saar, Michael Ray Charles, Kerry James Marshal and Kara Walker have each used their artistic talents and vision to remind people that Black History is still important, still impacts our lives today and still must be faced even when painful.
There are many differences in the way they present their art. Betye Saar uses mostly soft colors and a variety of small memorabilia and images to create some Continue reading...