Compare and Contrast

Why Compare?

When examining graphic novels, is it fair to compare two totally different works? If you are a student of graphic novel, then yes! If you are to understand how to make comics, it is important to review works that have come before you, so as to learn from them. 

This review can come in the form of reviewing content, but that is not always helpful when you are trying to understand how to express what you want in your own story. Also, filching story ideas is frowned upon in polite society, doncha' know...

A kind of review that is celebrated amongst the artistic community is one that looks at form and how it interacts with storytelling. I've taken the liberty of reviewing two excellent graphic novels that we are looking at in Graphic Novel class; Essex County and Maus. 

Today, I'm going to review how they introduce main characters:

Essex County:

In Essex County, we are introduced to the character of Lester as a dreamer. Lester is having a daydreaming about flying around the farm, having all kinds of adventures when his uncle Ken calls to him, bringing him out of his dream. One thing that surprised me is that while Lester is clearly having a daydream, he is wearing the superhero costume in real life. 

That he is wearing an outfit and uncle Ken isn't sets up a strong visual contrast between the tow of them. One of the first things we hear uncle Ken say is for Lester to take off the costume and feed the chickens. Eventually, Lester becomes more comfortable with who he is, and he stops wearing the costume all the time.

Maus:

In Maus, the reader is introduced to Vladek in the second page. Artie relates a memory of a time when he fell while riding his bike and his friends left him. When he goes to his father and explains what happened, his father brings up what it really means to be a friend - recalling when he was stuck in a room with no food for a week.

The seriousness with which Vladek relates this memory and the weight that his memories carry immediately reveal who he is. This moment also shows us how Artie and Vladek (father and son) interact with one another. This moment also foreshadows how Artie will ask his father to tell his story later in the book... the story has been told Artie's whole life, in one way or another.

Comparisons:

When comparing these two works, there are some similarities. First of all, both deal with a serious father-son type relationship. Both adults carry painful memories that dictate part of who they are. This seriousness cannot be overcome until the whole story is told, only then is there a resolution of this basic introductory conflict. 

Another interesting element that both stories share is the need for the reader to go back in time to understand the present. While the Vladek and Ken may seem harsh and unlovable at first, they are only this way because they have undergone tragedy. As the reader comes to understand who they are, so too does the main character. Lester and Artie eventually come to appreciate who their father figure is; even though they may not always like the way they are, their understanding changes as they grow up.