week 1

Week 1 : Popular Genres

Does Varnum (2001) define the difference between a cartoon, comics, and graphic novel? According to Varnum, what distinguishes comics from other media?

In, ‘The language of Comics,’ Varnum and Gibbons discuss the overall formation and inspiration behind the construct of comics, and the elements that influenced the makeup of such a global form of art. Varnum begins his argument by stating that only “after the invention of the printing press, (balance of power) shifted in favor of the word, seems now to be shifting in favor of the image.”

However, Varnum and Gibbons give a thorough explanation and analysis of how each complement the other when properly used in the right form. The authors quote perceptual theorist, Ann Marie Seward Barry, as describing verbal language, when treated alone, simply as “abstract, and essentially linear.” She goes on to mention that visual information is ‘immediate and experientially rooted.’ Barry concludes that ‘when an image is combined with words as in a comic strip, the words become secondary but the language of images remains primary. (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. ix)

Further more, the authors also state that throughout Europe, Latin America, and also in Canada and Japan, comic books and comic strips are considered as “serious artistic and cultural productions.” Whereas, in the United States comics are considered a “low-brow media, or as cheap, disposable kiddie fare.” Varnum quotes Mitchel of the University of Chicago and shows the opposing view that “words and images stand at opposite ends of a basic division in the human experience of representations, presentations, and symbols.” (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. x)

Having said that, both authors follow up Mitchels view by stating that, “from the point of view of semiotics theory, images and words are equivalent entities, and comics is a system of signification in which words and pictures are perceived in much the same way.” (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. xi)

Despite Mitchel’s opposing views, both authors stand strong when describing written words and images as both forms of art. In the past, medias use of art was selective and depended heavily on written words rather than images. Varnum and Gibbons believe that “pictures seem more transparent than words, but often their transparency is illusory,” and that “like words, pictures are abstractions. They suppress certain aspects of experience and foreground others. Like words, images can serve as symbols. (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. xii)

According to Varnum and Gibbons, what distinguishes comics from other media can be found in ‘McCloud’s Understanding Comics.’ Varnum states that:

“…McCloud was the first who inspired us to put together a collection of essays on word and image in the comics.” Also, that “McCloud lists several ways words and pictures interact. Picture can, he says, illustrate a text which is largely complete on its own. Alternatively, words can provide a soundtrack to a sequence composed visually. Words and pictures can replicate one another. Words can clarify or amplify pictures, and vice versa.” (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. xiii-xiv)

The authors go on to explain that McCloud’s point of view on comics is that the amalgamation of words and pictures display a thought or ‘“idea that neither could convey alone [153-155].”’ Furthermore, they go on to emphasize the contradictory ideology that McCloud views about comics when describing them as “both a partnership of separate elements, and as a unique language.” McCloud believes that in comics, “words and pictures are like partners in a dance and each one takes turns leading” [156].

Varnum and Gibbson note the key difference that distinguishes comics from other forms of media, and as McCloud describes comics as having “a language all its own.” When speaking about forms of media, especially concerning comics, McCloud views it as a separate, but exclusive form of media that may not be able to convey its message unless there is a combination of written words and images organized and displayed in a certain format. (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. xiv)

In the anthology that the Varnum and Gibbson conclude with, a compiled set of points of views of authors and how they distinguish comics are exemplified. On the one hand, authors such as, David Kunzle, David Berona, Todd Taylor, N.C. Christopher Couch, Robert Harvey, and Frank Cioffi all argue, that in comics “words and pictures are much like partners in a dance. Cioffi also explored the ways in which words and images can work against each other and generate a meaning that would not exist if either word or picture stood alone.

For example, authors Kunzle, Berona, and Taylor, usually deal with comics and silent cartoons, and they view ‘images’ as more superior of the two elements, and are “apprehended more directly than words.” Kunzle asserts, “Words tie meanings down, limit interpretive possibility, and function ‘as a kind of censorious social super-ego.’” Berona claims “ pictures are more universal than words of any language.” Taylor believes that the “ethos” or “character credibility” is heavily dependant on the visual rather than language. All agree and see comics as “narrative form consisting of pictures arranged in sequence.” (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. xv-xvi)

While on the other hand, Varnum and Gibbson mention authors like Marion Perret, Jan Baetens, Cathrin Khordoc, and Gene Kannenberg Jr., who all see comics as an “integral language,” where the one complements the other. Perret, Khordoc, and Kannenberg all agree and make the similar point that “page design and the arrangement of word balloons can bring word and image together.” Beatens critique, which draws on “French formalism and structuralism as well as semiotics,” are areas of comic discourse that is largely not explored, nor available in the US. (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. xviii)

Overall, authors Varnum and Gibbson do not believe there is a concrete difference between cartoons, comics, and graphic novels, but “bear family resemblance.” (Varnum, R & Gibbons, C. - PG. xix)

Finally, both authors refer to various authors that focus on specific aspects of comics, and to what distinguishes comics from other forms of media. After gathering all the points of views in the anthology, comics are unique in their own style of format, distinctively set up to attract the reader with a certain design and sequence of events that lead to one another. The balloons tells the reader how to hear the message, they serve as visual symbols for sound. Comics are distinguished by these different characteristics that without them, would be meaningless.

Reference

- [Introduction]. (2002). In C. T. Gibbons & R. Varnum (Authors), The language of comics: word and image (pp. Ix-Xix). Jackson, MS: Univ. Press of Mississippi.