In the first of a regular series we ask comic creators what makes the form unique.
John Ferguson
Well, they allow for high concept, dynamic visual storytelling, which is difficult to replicate in other artistic mediums without overly descriptive narrative or hugely expensive special effects. It allows for an epic scale that can take readers into outer space, ancient history or into battle without the worry of budget. The story can be as visually grand and sweeping as the writers' imagination, the setting as varied and diverse.
The superhero genre for which comic books are particularly famous, create a reincarnation of an ancient storytelling tradition from the myths and legends of Greece and Rome. The tales of God-like power with human failings and the attempts of good to triumph over evil in the most primary sense. Superman and the Hulk are the Achilles and Hercules of the modern world, the heroes of today's youth. Although sometimes portrayed as childish, it is one of the few remaining artistic mediums that create genuine icons known the world over. Characters identified only by a symbol become incredibly powerful and relatable figures within today's fast-paced society, and that they stand for something positive and righteous makes comic books a source that film, television, literature and gaming seek out for content on a perpetual basis.
John Ferguson is the creator of Scottish superhero Saltire. The Scots language edition of Saltire:Invasion - Saltire Invasioun - translated by Matthew Fitt, is on sale now.
Nye Wright
I love the "golden moment." In comics visuals, as you plot how you want to tell a story, what moments to show and what not to show, you have to choose the perfect beats in a continuum. I remember having a chat with an animator and he was jealous of the ability in comics to choose that perfect frozen moment to tell your story, and then choose another, and let the reader fill in the gaps. Animation, he said, almost felt like it made people lazy. Comics, challenges readers to work with the artist to build the story, in the mind of the reader, together.
That's some powerful stuff.
Nye Wright's Things to do in a Retirement Home Trailer Park... When You're 29 and Unemployed is published by Myriad Editions.
Robbie Morrison
Oh, it's a combination of things, these days. First, comics are a unique fusion of words and pictures that - when a writer and artist work well together - can produce stories as powerful, enjoyable and satisfying as anything produced in any other medium. Comics are often too closely associated with superheroes and science-fiction or dismissed as being for children, but the medium is more than capable of telling any kind of story in any kind of genre.
Second, there's definitely an element of affectionate nostalgia involved. My Grandfather - who died when I was about 8 - used to buy me comics every week, which gave me a love of stories, especially serial stories, and which my Grandmother - still going strong at 94 - would then read to me. Graham Greene said the books that have the most impact on us are the ones we read as children. I think, with a few exceptions, he's probably right.
Third, comics people are, on the whole, some of the nicest folk you could ever hope to met. And I'm not saying that as a back-handed compliment!
Robbie Morrison is currently writing Doctor Who. White Death by Morrison and Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard is published by Image Comics in the UK and Editions Delcourt in France.
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