Revised: Will Eisner- A Contract with God

This is truly a great narrative story married to a wonderful comic. I trully appreciate graphic novels. I have always been an avid reader. Somedays I hide myself from everyone just so that I could finish a book the same day. I liked reading comics but sometimes the lack of a plot or somekind of story with some more 'weight' made me put them aside. I always looked at the pictures and illustrations but usually rushed through the words. NOT SO! with graphic novels. I really like the vertical layout Mr. Eisner has in his graphic novel. It gives it a feeling of a book. But Mr. Eisner takes it a step forward and put the words with the illustration. A cartoon that is unlike a cartoon. This why it is appealing to many people around the world. People who would dare not read a comic, relish reading graphic novels. The switching over of comics first being for kids to everyday literature to me is amazing. It shows the hunger people have for knowledge. I believe that as a medium that in the future comics will reach people in areas that traditionally comics could never reach. It is a new art form, a illustrated manual, words and images that are relatable to all mankind. I truly believe that if young children are exposed to comics/graphic novels at a younger age that they will be able to read more efficiently and increase their knowledge. I believe that as a country we should encourage this medium even more. I always feel like Japan has recognized this and that is how manga is so prevalent over there. Comics are a way of escape, to be able to delve into your dreams and desires. Just like books and novels, they should be treasured. As an artist I do hope that one day that I could make my own comics. Not because I am a super fan of comics, or read them avidly. But because of the freedom they give to the producer. The ability to develop your own characters, stories, beliefs and ideas. Thats the power of comics, and I don't see this power ever shrinking in the future.

Comics in the 21st Century

http://www.drmcninja.com/

I recommend this comic to anyone. This comic was created by Chris Hastings. I personally like it because one its about a ninja. And two Velociraptor!! Actually, I just like the crazy stories and situations McNinja is put in. Like his fight against ronald mcdonald (yes mcdonald :)) or his arch nemesis King Radical who looks rather close to the king from Burger King. I just like the action, his well inked sections, and actually good color versions that he made. All of his websites can be read on the site in the archives. You can actually spend all day just reading them. And each story tends to have a lot of pages to it. I believe it is a good read to any comic reader. Nothing crazy than a Doctor who is a Ninja. He is torn between killing/destroying or healing/helping. He can easily clean your teath one second and then cut your throat. That is the appeal of this comics. An especially funny scene is when he tries to explain to his parents (who are ninjas too) why he decided to be a doctor.

Reconsidering the Superhero

When I realized that I had to pick some kind of superhero comic I sorta felt bored. It's just that I had sorta gotta tired a long time ago with superheroes. The constant "I'll save you", the many various villains that prey on their weaknesses. The many relationships that are destroyed because of secrets and constant denial. That was what I primarily remember when I used to read comics more frequently. But then I came to this course.....My appreciation for comics/graphic novels have soared. Mabye because I never knew or was not able to get the various forms of comics this class has shown to me. I appreciate even more when I decided to read Bill Willingham's Fables. It's a graphic novel (to me) of fairy tail creatures and people known through literature being forced by an enemy to hide their existence but yet live in the human (mundy to them) world. I was really suprised when I read this story. I didn't think that it would appeal to me since recently I am more interested in Japanese manga. But just the the retelling and transformations of these folklore are so appealing. Changing the Big Bad wolf into a sheriff that is trying to enforce control, so that they can be protected. Then seeing that The prince from all the fairy tails is actually a womanizer who is devious and smart. Just the way they interact, coping with living in the real world, driven away from their homes. It makes such a wonderful plot. I ended up reading just about all of it. Every page is a visual delight. And I like the Illustrations for the cover very much. For me this is the best comic/graphic novel I have ever read.

Women's Comics

All I read for the women's comics was Lillian Chestney's Classics Illustrated Arabian Night. I mean, I already knew the story of Arabian nights. But I did enjoy the illustrated quality of the comic. It was definitely more realistic in a sense. The comic reminded me of another comic that is still currently published in newspapers, its about knights I believe. But I just want to say that women have come such a long way I believe in comics. Even when I was young I always assumed that comics were made by only guys. I was ignorant, but almost correct. It wasn't a glass ceiling for women, but it was a hard ceiling. But I believe gender should definitely bar you from making comics. But it will especially be hard to discriminate against people with the technology of today.

Comics as Contemporary Literature

For a contemporary Literature I read Bone. His comics and art style remind me of the renowned Carl Barks. I did enjoy reading bones. He definitely tries the use a lot of humor into his work. I personally like the design of bone and his cousins. Their simplicity contrasting against the harsh detailed world they got transported to. I actually did read the whole series. I have to admit that it got confusing sometimes because of the extra side stories in it. But overall I enjoyed reading it and looking at the quality of the comic. It definitely has a more digital feel to it with its bright hues and different quality of print. I would recommend many people to read this comic. It is so good that I rather classify it as a graphic novel.

EuroComics

For me when I never really knew if there were European Comics. At the time I was not really concerned about or even aware. All I knew comics were was in the good ol USA. That is why I was so glad to take this course. I was able to look at some of comics from Europe, some that I wished I had read a long time ago. For this assignment I read Asterix. It follows the adventures of Asterix and Obelix. Two vikings that comes from a viking village that are renowned for being the sole resistance to the Romans in their homeland. I loved the various stories because they all went into different cultures and areas. It is very diverse and I love the humor. I wished that they had it more in the US. I believe that it would also have a huge success if it was more available to young kids back in my days. I truly like the series because it develops the charactars well and learn grow attach to them. They are easily remembered and iconic. When I first saw the comic I thought i was made from Disney. But I was wrong. I also read some more adult comics like La Foire Aux Immortels.

An Introduction to Manga

Ever since I was introduced to the Japanese animation and their culture i have grown to appreciate their artistic skills. Being the generation who was raised on seeing pokemon and other japanese like shows I never realized the influence it had on me. For me Manga transcends just being a type of comic, I believe that it is an art form. One thing I truly enjoy about manga is the quality of its line strength. How they can masterfully represent value and the dynamic poses and views that they use to drive the story onward. The manga that I did read that captivated me was Battle Angel Alita: Last Order. Not only do I believe that it was done well but I also enjoyed the futuristic setting of the story. Also the question of can a robot or artificial intelligence every have the same feelings or moral obligations that humans have to deal with daily. Of course, I enjoy the violence, action, and countless enemies. But I truly enjoy stories where your worse enemy can turn into your ally, when they or you see each other in a different light. I also read Maison-Ikkou, which I recommend also.

Spiegelman's Complete Maus (Vol. 1 and 2)/Barefoot Gen-Commentary

I must admit that I wasn't really impressed by the artistic ability of Mr. Spiegelman. There were just some places where I abhorred the drawings . BUT!! Overall Maus is a very good graphic novel in my mind, and that everyone should try to read it. Personally I have always like to learn about history and I do like reading it. But its also good to hear another side of a historic story. Especially if that person when through it and survived the experience. Just the fear and anxiety that was in the book leaked out threw the pages, even though EVERYONE were animals. The emotions, body postures and conflicts made it seem more like a movie than mere history. But it wasn't something glamourous and I am just glad that Mr. Spiegelman had made this graphic novel. There were times when you got so annoyed at his father and his "miser" like ways. You feel the struggle Spiegelman has himself of trying to be a good son even though he detests his own farther. This relation is only bridged when they story of the past is told. The fear, bias and hatred of the Nazis regime. The many brave families that fought for survival. and the bitter end of a struggle that had took so many..... A good graphic novels grabs your senses, your hear and your soul. It makes you question your soul and makes you compare to your own life experience. It was good.

The same goes for Barefoot Gen. I like the "simplicity" of the animation. The detail and colors that truly enliven that Japanese setting. It is hard to realize that the bombing they tried to depict in the movie actually happened. To know that millions not only died on impact but also afterwards for various reasons. It definitely took on social issues that we as Americans understand but I am sure hits home more for people of Japanese descent.

Underground Comix-Fat Freddy's Cat/ Cartoonist Track

What can I say. The comic is intense, real and just cuts to the chase. It is rude, crude, sometimes disgusting. It is infested with roaches, rats, crazy cats and guys who forget to feed their animals. It is drawn very heavily and gives a feeling that who ever drew was....welll... Anyway, though.. It is funny and sometimes outright hilarious. My cartoon just makes fun of Fat Freddy's cat 'toughness'. Trust me. I believe that would Garfield would win in a fight against him. Why else does Garfield eat so much? Its because he goes to the gym. Metabolism!!!

Will Eisner-A Contract with God/ Cartoonist Track

This is truly a great narrative story married to a wonderful comic. I trully appreciate graphic novels. I have always been an avid reader. Somedays to hiding myself from everyone just so that I could finish a book the same day. I liked reading comics but sometimes the lack of a long term plot or somekind of story with some more 'weight' made me put them aside. I always looked at the pictures and illustrations but usually rushed through the words. NOT SO! with graphic novels. I really like the vertical layout Mr. Eisner has in his graphic novel. It gives it a feeling of a book. I don't if someone has but there are some bibles that have all the verses then right on a whole page by itself in an illustration. But Mr. Eisner takes it forward and put the words with the illustration. A cartoon that is unlike a cartoon. This why it is appealing to many people around the world. People who would dare not read a comic, relish reading graphic novels. The switching over of comics first being for kids to everyday literature to me is amazing. It shows the hunger people have for knowledge. For my comic I did the second part where the boy found the stone with the contract with God. I just wanted to be funny and ironic. Just one grammatical error that could have changed anyones life forever. lol.

Carl Barks-Donald Duck's Atom Bomb

To me Carl Barks is a genius when it comes to comic books. I had never really knew or investigated into who was known famously for drawing Donald Duck. To me personally Donald Duck was my favorite character out of all Disney cast members. His temper, outrages and stubbornness made him an appealing character. The one who his always negative, tempered with caution, and likes to win a lot. Carl Barks really makes the character come alive in they well colored, well drawn comic books. Yes it is targeted to kids, but I think that anyone of any age can enjoy. I like the mannerism that he gives to the characters, I makes you forget that he is actually making a duck talk like a human. But he able to mesh together the facial expressions, body language and just the atmosphere of the setting to give you a wonderful story. For my cartoon I did a spoof of Donald Duck. I just thought it was funny, especially when at one time Disney did propaganda for the military. Also I had to add the Furry Freak Brothers....Those are some messed up guys.

Winsor McCay-Little Nemo in Slumberland/ Cartoonist Track

I truly enjoyed the visual detail that Winsor McCay has in the comic Little Nemo in Slumberland. It shows his mastery of ink/line, and he is very adept with perspective. The story Little Nemo immediately appeals with me because I like to dream also. But using that as the basics of the story Mr. McCay is able to push the boundaries that cartoons are notably known for. Many layouts and designs he did for Little Nemo were quite interesting and 'out of the box'. This helps draw rapidly the attention of the reader and that is why so many enjoy this specific comic strip. It shows good mastery of the medium and just all out fun to read. The comic I did, does not do justice to how well McCay has drawn but I like to mess around with stories I know and treasure. But really I believe I would have some kind of spinal, brain or back problems if I dropped off my bed every night. I am suprised he didn't go insane or why didn't he try to force himself to sleep so that he could stay in that universe (of course medical ways are available). I wouldn't mind it. A crazy bed, an imp, a cigar loving clown and a king willing to hook you up.

Wordless Comic-Frank in the River/ Cartoonist Track

Wow. For me Frank in the River by Jim Woodring was like a psychedelic trip into a colorful world. He was able to really convince you that the character is experiencing emotions and is alive. I trully like the strong, vibrant colors he has within the artwork. The story was very good at being subjective. I liked the scene when Frank finds out what the Pig guy used to make food.

To me I understood wordless comics as comics that simulate motion and give a feeling of a story. Like sequential art, you capture the moment of the expression of the character or the scene. It chose to draw about Felix the Cat because he used to (well still is, but not much) be so popular in the past. He was such a funny, witty and whimsical cat that everyone loved watching. But then came Walt Disney's' best creation Mickey Mouse. So I just wanted to simulate what Felix would feel like after being out-shined. I wanted him to look like a worker, not the always smiling cartoon meant to please millions. I liked drawing it.