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.