Today I read two non-traditional comics that were both very interesting. Both used different techniques and were a browser based experience. I am uncertain of the title of the first (in another language) so I'm just going to refer to it as Twitch. The other comic I read was Scott McCloud's The Right Number, Part 1, and Part 2. I believe both of these works, although very non-traditional should be referred to as comics. No, panels are not laid out on a central page, but there is a consistent panel to panel type experience.
Twitch was far more experimental in my opinion, but it was a little over the top. Aside from the language barrier, it didn't seem to flow very well with the different sizes/framing done with panels. The audio/visual effects were interesting, but I feel that it was more about the effects than telling a story. Obviously if I spoke the language it would be a richer experience, but through visual images alone I feel like it could be summed up in one sentence. A girl sees a creepy looking guy with blood on him and he jumps towards her, the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Right Number from both a narrative and design standpoint. The panels were usually the same size, but sometimes they would be subdivided. It had a very interesting plot and I wish there were more parts that I could read. It used limited effects, but at the end of Part One when his eyes move it really emphasized the character's thoughts. Honestly, I loved this format because I am often times confused as to the order of reading with graphic novels. When a panel is presented by itself, I think it is much more straightforward, and I don't end up spoiling "what happens next" by glancing at the artwork on the page.
I believe The Right Number was highly successful while Twitch left much to be desired. It was not so much the format, but more the chaos created by having so many different things going at once. When I read a comic/graphic novel, I want to read a story and not see what someone can program through javascript. Definitely check out The Right Number because it is a very unique and interesting comic. I'd pass on Twitch.
Hey! I'm going to try to attempt to comment so... Here we go... Firstly, "Twitch" is a good filler title for whatever the hell that was that we had to read, and secondly, I agree with you on that "Twitch" was more about special "look at me, look at me!" effects. Which totally annoyed me. I can understand where you're coming from with getting confused on how to read through things so the one panel feature seems helpful in keeping you on track with the story, but I prefer to scroll. I liked the The Right Number, too. Okay... I guess that's all I have to say for now... Nice blog. See you in class :-)
ReplyDelete---Marissa
It's me again. Have you been able to get onto other peoples' blogs? I'm having zero luck with it lol.
ReplyDeleteI think "Twitch" is good for the scary aspect. I was not expecting the comic to move so i was super surprised and a little freaked out when it did.
ReplyDeleteThe "Right Number" was very good and I agree that it was better to have the panels hidden until you're ready to read them. I know I get confused when reading manga because they have a lot going on within the other panels while I'm trying to read another panel.
I agree with " the right number" having a better format, I enjoyed reading it and it made much easier to follow.
ReplyDeleteThis opened up an interesting question: does the audio elements brought up in Twitch still allow it to retain the moniker "graphic novel"? I feel this may have been stepping too far out of the norms.
ReplyDeleteSay, for instance, if The Right Numbers included a basic soundtrack or a few sound effects. Would it still be a graphic novel, or would it more be a flash animation with graphic novel influences?