Understanding Comics

For those of you interested in all things manga, read this interesting essay about "scanlations" from The Comics Journal. Scanlations are "...amateur translations of manga not otherwise licensed for print by one of the many publishers bringing such works to market."

Only 2 more classes left! This semester has certainly flown by...

For this week's class, remember to read:
Ghost World by Daniel Clowes
rest of V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
...both of which are available at the Circulation/Reserve desk in Milne Library

So many comic books have been made into feature films. Thinking about a movie version you have watched in the past, what are some elements you think are essential to a good movie adaptation from a comic book or comic book series? This is purely your own opinion, but give examples.
Do comic books translate well to screen? Why or why not?

In class on Wednesday, we will view clips from some different movie adaptations of comics and graphic novels. In particular, we will talk about Ghost World, the graphic novel, as opposed to "Ghost World" the movie. As you read the novel, think about what works in this book. What scenes/panels would make a good transition to film?

If you have a suggestion for a clip we should view on Wednesday, let me know by Tuesday afternoon. I'll try to work it into the "program".

I am posting this to the blog to continue a discussion brought up by this past week's blog post. Its not necessary to join the discussion if you don't want to, but I was intrigued by the discussion that got started on the blog earlier today regarding McCloud and his tackling such a huge project: the standardization of comics. Someone mentioned they felt McCloud was presumptious in trying to set rules down and another felt that was an unfair characterization since he is a comics scholar (read the original post and comments here) and has the knowledge and background to write an influential book.

What do you think?

Sorry I didn't get a chance to address this issue in class!

What is presumptious -- is it the idea that one person is trying to "formalize" or create standards for the world of comics?

Why shouldn't someone try to set standards for what is fast becoming a recognized art and literary form?

Or is it just presumptious of this particular man to assume he is the expert because you don't know what credentials he brings to the creation of these rules and thus, this book?

Very interesting discussion !! Please keep it going...

Sorry for posting so late this week -- I just got back from Kansas City early this morning, so I'm a bit behind. Just make sure you respond by class time on Wednesday...

Chapter 8 of McCloud is about color -- do you agree with McCloud that black and white imparts ideas more directly? Is color just emphasizing the forms and shapes? Why or why not?

Chapter 9 finishes our reading of McCloud's book this week.
What are your final thoughts about the book?
Has it deepened your understanding of comic books, and if so, how?
What are some of your reflections after concluding the final chapter??