***** SPECIAL NOTE: I am officially back to writing for The Burning Mind with this piece. It was supposed to go up weeks ago but didn’t as July spiraled out of hand (https://thestateofthemaster.blogspot.com). Here it is now, with much more to follow. ACE *****
Why Comics?
To many this would be a very steep and complex question. Not so much to me.
Whole books have been written on this exact subject: Why Comics? Hell, I could probably write a book about it, but I will kept my thoughts to this piece and try and make this nice and tight. Not so complex either.
Usually, when the ‘Appeal’ of comics is discussed by many writers the focus is on the following ideals: World-Building and Myth-Making. The idea that comic books and super-heroes are the Modern Greek Gods (and Norse and Egyptian Gods), and that in there lies their appeal: Superman, Captain America these are the modern myths of our age and we worship them.
I know that is a very condensed and not very accurate summary of that line of thought, but it’s not a line of thought I buy into. Not after the age of ten.
That line of thought is very limited and actually downplays what comics are and can be.
Why?
Because it really only covers the appeal of Super Heroes. Not comics in general. That line of thought doesn’t apply to something like Strangers in Paradise, Y, The Last Man or the works of Robert Crumb.
It basically says that we need something larger than life to believe in, and it limits the comic book universe and its appeal to the DC and Marvel Universe’s, and the scattering of Non-DC and Marvel popular super-heroes.
I originally started to write this piece on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 11th, on that day the titles I picked up included: BPRD: DEVIL YOU KNOW; FARMHAND; IT CAME OUT ON A WEDNESDAY; LITTLE GIRL; NU WAY; OUTPOST ZERO; PORT OF EARTH; RAT QUEENS; RELAY; RESIDENT ALIEN; SCOOBY APOCALYPSE; SHE COULD FLY
While an argument could be made for Myth and World-Building ideas, none of these titles can be claimed under the Greek Gods line of thought. They maybe be fantastical adventure, supernatural or sci-fiction, but there’s no spandex to be seen.
In fact, Port of Earth goes for a more realistic and gritty style – far away from Super Heroes.
I am not discounting the idea of World-Building, Myth-Making and the super-heroes are the Modern Greek Gods line of thoughts. It has its place, but really only when applied to super-heroes, not the whole industry as a whole.
To apply that to the entire art form is limiting, arrogant and ignores a large portion of what is published.
Because Comics are more than Super-Heroes, more than just World-Building, Myth-Making and Modern Greek Gods.
Comic book are the Ultimate Art Form.
Why Comics? Because anything is possible. ANYTHING!
There literally is no story that cannot be told in the realm of comic books. A slew of unfilmable novels have been adapted as comic books – especially the works of H.P. Lovecraft.
If one can think and write it, one can draw it – it can be created.
You don’t have to worry about big budget, lots of equipment’s or the many factors that face film. Hell you don’t even need a computer.
You only need these:
Pencils, Paper, Ink, maybe markers or brush, and Imagination
With Imagination being the most important part. Keep one thing in mind, Imagination does mean just sci-fi, fantasy, horror or Super-Hero – it means anything. It takes imagination to write crime and drama as well.
The Ultimate Art form. Anything is possible.
It’s been proved time and time again, from Vertigo Comics to Art First Comics. Super-Heroes and beyond.
But, there is one thing the Ultimate Art Form where Anything is Possible must do, and can do, better than anything else: Create the Emotional Connection
Anything. ANYTHING. Can be done in comics.
- Crime: Check out the HardCase line coming from Titan Comics.
- Drama: Try Vertigo Comics.
- Horror: Harrow Country, the works of Richard Corben.
- Sci-Fi: Saga
- Zombie: Walking Dead
Anything is possible in comic books. Which mean anyone can find something they connect with.
In truth, anything IS done comic books.
It isn’t just the comic titles that connect with the reader . . . The emotional connect goes beyond just the Work itself and the Fan. Comic Books do something nothing else does: it connects the Reader with other Readers and the Readers with the Creators.
Every heard of San Diego Comic-Con; Phoenix Comic-Con; London Comic-Con? The Comic Book industry has more conventions than any other industry(s) in the world.
These are not like Doctor Conventions, or Writer Convention, or Film Markets – that really only cater to people in the industry.
Comic Conventions have evolved greatly, but they were created with one purpose in mind: To connect fans with each other and with the creators of their beloved characters and titles.
In the end it doesn’t matter what draws you to comics: Super-heroes; Indie Vibe; A certain Creator or the Art itself. Because it all boils down to one thing: You’ve emotionally connected with something or someone’s work.
The Emotional connection is what is important. Not the World-Building, Not the Myth-Making. It’s the connection.
In comic books ANYTHING is possible.
In Comic Books EVEYTHING and EVERYONE can be connected.
Why Comics? Check the World over: San Diego, Phoenix, New York, Montreal, London, Tokyo, Brazil, Moscow – It’s Connects us all.
What’s wrong with that?
Ace Masters.
