I like Lumber Janes. I like it a lot. This comic has got so much charm it's stupid.
It's funny, looking at the cover, I thought this comic was going to go with the art style of Adventure Time (which is in a bit of a controversy right now). But it got more unique as it went on.
The characters are so much fun and I love their individual personalities. Not a single dude in sight and I don't give a damn. That's how you make a progressive comic. Don't shove the "girl power" message down our throats. Just give us a great story with girls in it. Done. This nails it, totally.
It reminded me of a Cartoon Network pilot. It has the potential for an awesome series. Maybe on day.
I'll probably keep checking this out. I'm intrigued.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Week Eleven
Aw, hell yeah. Sin City. Another favorite of mine.
Simply put, I'm a film guy. I love when comics reflect film and make their stories as cinematic as they can be. I honestly think this is the most cinematic comic/graphic novel out there (guess that's why they made two films!). I have so much respect for it because we live in an age of colorful books filled with heroes in colorful outfits shouting witty banter and such. Here comes a book out of nowhere that breaks through the norm, comes in expertly-crafted black & white film noir, and delivers a dark, dank, and gritty story.
LOVE.
Week Ten
I am a huge Scott Pilgrim fan. I actually discovered the comic through a flash animation on the internet. When I first read the series, I fell in love. After reading again, I still do. I don't know if it's the art or the story or the characters. I don't know. I just love this series.
I think it's the video game influence. I've never seen a story, let alone a comic have these awesome retro elements. It's freaking bursting with originality and style.
I just love love love this series!!!
I'm a little pissed that they just recently came out with a colored edition. That's the one thing I think I would've liked for the original. Not sure why they originally went with black and white.
Regardless, this is one of my favorites.
I think it's the video game influence. I've never seen a story, let alone a comic have these awesome retro elements. It's freaking bursting with originality and style.
I just love love love this series!!!
I'm a little pissed that they just recently came out with a colored edition. That's the one thing I think I would've liked for the original. Not sure why they originally went with black and white.
Regardless, this is one of my favorites.
Week Nine
What a freaking interesting world this is! That's all I can say. Such a cool world.
It's very rare that the world sucks me in first. It's usually the characters, story, or art, but the way the world is established really got me hooked.
It reminds me of the recent Total Recall remake. It's a dark, dank, disgusting future world that doesn't make any sense. It's like a modern fantasy. Nothing really adds up, but you accept it anyway. The fact that these people seek out the most disgusting debauchery imaginable makes for excellent and engaging world-building.
It's very rare that the world sucks me in first. It's usually the characters, story, or art, but the way the world is established really got me hooked.
It reminds me of the recent Total Recall remake. It's a dark, dank, disgusting future world that doesn't make any sense. It's like a modern fantasy. Nothing really adds up, but you accept it anyway. The fact that these people seek out the most disgusting debauchery imaginable makes for excellent and engaging world-building.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Week Eight - Types of Stereos
Stereotypes. That's a very touchy topic. Good thing I got opinions on it. In terms of comics and games, should stereotypes still exist? I say, yes.
Let me explain.
Comics and Games are some of the (if not THE biggest) forms of escapism. People want to experience these fantastic and engaging stories about the land of make-believe: Super Heroes, Adventurers, etc. These are stories of fantasy for us -- an that's the key word: fantasy. We are more attracted to the fantastical versions of ourselves. We see the muscular hero or the hot girlfriend characters as something to strive for. It's what we wish we could have. Are all heroes muscle-bound beef sandwiches? No. Are all girlfriends (or women for that matter) perfect hourglass 10's? No. I think it would be wrong to remove these stereotypes simply because it "doesn't fit with real life". No shit. It's fantasy.
On the same token, there are many cases where stereotypes are harmful. Racial, Gender, and Religious stereotypes can be easily, EASILY offensive and in bad taste. In those cases, I agree that stereotypes need to disappear. I also agree with that in the case of equality and diversity. Can a super hero story have badass female lead and save the man? Hell yeah. Why not? As long as the reader isn't pulled out of the story by having the diversity shoved down their throat, then it's all good.
Stereotypes is a very grey topic. The easiest way to discuss and overcome it, is to just be a sensible, level-headed person. Don't be so for it that we end up offending, and don't be so against it that everything just feels like a PSA or a PR stunt.
Let me explain.
Comics and Games are some of the (if not THE biggest) forms of escapism. People want to experience these fantastic and engaging stories about the land of make-believe: Super Heroes, Adventurers, etc. These are stories of fantasy for us -- an that's the key word: fantasy. We are more attracted to the fantastical versions of ourselves. We see the muscular hero or the hot girlfriend characters as something to strive for. It's what we wish we could have. Are all heroes muscle-bound beef sandwiches? No. Are all girlfriends (or women for that matter) perfect hourglass 10's? No. I think it would be wrong to remove these stereotypes simply because it "doesn't fit with real life". No shit. It's fantasy.
On the same token, there are many cases where stereotypes are harmful. Racial, Gender, and Religious stereotypes can be easily, EASILY offensive and in bad taste. In those cases, I agree that stereotypes need to disappear. I also agree with that in the case of equality and diversity. Can a super hero story have badass female lead and save the man? Hell yeah. Why not? As long as the reader isn't pulled out of the story by having the diversity shoved down their throat, then it's all good.
Stereotypes is a very grey topic. The easiest way to discuss and overcome it, is to just be a sensible, level-headed person. Don't be so for it that we end up offending, and don't be so against it that everything just feels like a PSA or a PR stunt.
Week Three
I read three comic strips this week. Two being somewhat similar and one being vastly different:
Peanuts
There is a clear idea as to what Schultz wanted to accomplish with Peanuts and I think he did it flawlessly. He wanted to show how awful it was to be a kid -- specifically, the underdog. The kid everyone either doesn't like, or grows to not like. He also wanted to communicate just how shitty kids could be. It's a concept that targets a large demographic. Many people often feel like the underdog and this was a strip that they could connect with.
Calvin and Hobbs
I've always had a thing for this strip. Originally, it was to read about the funny, smart-talking kid. Later on, it was reflect on how smart it was. It illustrates now only the quirks of childhood, but I believe it also shows just how smart kids really are. Kids have some real complex and deep thoughts now and then and I think, like some adults do with their kids, they take Calvin and Hobbs for granted.
Little Nemo
This just doesn't do it for me. I'm sorry. It must've been a fantastic story to read throughout the years back then, but it has little appeal for me today. I tip my hat to the creator for choosing a dream world. This allows for him to have all kinds of adventures and gives the strip infinite possibilities.
Week One
The essence and power of storytellining began with no words. The very first stories told were done through every other form of communication: sound, gestures, visuals, etc. The Arrival masters this by taking every other element of storytelling and utilizing it to it's fullest potential.
This is a very cinematic piece. The panels are well composed, the actions are clear and the facial expressions and emotions are strong. These all are what helps tell a good story. We can connect to the story without the need for dialogue. Some of the most famous stories and characters were silent. Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Tom and Jerry. These were stories that were told through the two most important elements: action and character. If we have a character that is believable (for the most part in Tom and Jerry's case), the audience can connect with what's going on and stay invested. That's exactly how it feels to read The Arrival. The characters and emotion are so good that it keeps you invested in the story.
This is a very cinematic piece. The panels are well composed, the actions are clear and the facial expressions and emotions are strong. These all are what helps tell a good story. We can connect to the story without the need for dialogue. Some of the most famous stories and characters were silent. Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Tom and Jerry. These were stories that were told through the two most important elements: action and character. If we have a character that is believable (for the most part in Tom and Jerry's case), the audience can connect with what's going on and stay invested. That's exactly how it feels to read The Arrival. The characters and emotion are so good that it keeps you invested in the story.
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