“Comics are a narrative art form, a form that combines two other forms of expression: words and pictures. Like any other medium, it's value-neutral. There've been lots of rotten novels and paintings, and zillions of rotten comics. But in the hands of someone who knows how to use their medium, great things can happen. Good comics make an impression that lasts forever…”

- Art Spiegelman

Interview by Christopher Monte Smith of Indie Bound.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Art of Storytelling

Writers are known for their sense of storytelling. Graphic artists on the other hand, are often overlooked for this ability. The story is often a secondary prerequisite in the graphic novel, if a requisite at all. Perhaps due to the combination of visual and narrative responsibilities that befalls a graphic novelist; people are less likely to scrutinize the storytelling element. In fact, not only is the narrative not scrutinized; it may be forgotten all together. To do this would be a tragedy to the art of storytelling and the storyteller.




As a graphic novelist Spiegelman assumes this role, time and time again; breaking any stereotype that may exist about the abilities of a graphic novelist to tell a story of substance and of resonance.

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