Self Initiated Comic: Research

Approaching the thumbnail stage of the comic project, I feel now is a good time to get some research done to strengthen the composition of the panels, something I've never really had to look too far in to before. In the past when I have created comics, I have imitated/ re appropriated scenes from movies and comics, but never put thought in to why I was doing it. This time I should highlight the things I plan to work from as reference, and really consider what it is about them that makes them so effective, what they do and why it stands out to me.

Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire: Moon Knight

The reason Ive picked this comic is because I feel It does action really well, something I honestly didnt think was possible in comics, due to the lack of movement and fluidity. There are multiple aspects to take in to consideration here, firstly the fight itself. The panels showcase each movement at Its most extreme, with the previous panel clearly showcasing the start/ build up to the movement. Look at the example, on how it builds the expectation of the use of the weapon, clearly in the foreground as the focal point. Then snapping to the extreme, we're able to quite clearly build that motion ourselves, with the resulting image clearly showing the damage done by the blow.

Its not just great framing and pacing with the pannels that lets it flow though. As you can see with the background, it dissapears when the fight begins, giving an immediacy to the scenario, there is no surrounding area to take in, so the eye can quickly process the movements and move on. It's a really neat trick, and gives the scene pacing, just like a movie scene. This is something I,ve never really experienced in a comic, but will certainly have a go at with mine.

Quentin Tarantino: Pulp Fiction 

It may be strange to use a film as a point of reference, but what quentin pulls off in introducing the characters to the audience at the start of pulp fiction, is truly commendable. The framing works a lot like the moon knight action scene, the two are simply sat in a car having a conversation. Because of the small setting, and the lack of interaction with the outside world, you only have to concentrate on the characters. And the method of having the characters have a normal (sorta) conversation is a really great way to portray personality, and how the characters relate to one and other. 

It really is a rewarding exercise to pick apart the media you enjoy (although does cause you to be more cynical towards media). Looking at pulp fiction and Quentin Tarrantino as an example, he uses a lot of references and lessons learnt from other movies lovingly to strengthen his own work, something that will hopefully occur for me after looking at these examples.