Interactive Comic Research (College Work)

Graphic Novels, also known as Comic Novels, have been around for centuries and are often confused as the common Picture Books in which kids (and of course adults) happen to read. Comics really influence the reader in the way the panels and characters are presented in such a way which is understandable with the current obligation or happening in a certain scene. Progression and possessive noticing of graphic novels started off in the late 19th early 20th century, where comic artists or people with ideas of animation (interactivity) were adding objects and text together, as if they were in conversation, talking to each other. This idea, image and perspective of how this art was produced sprouted interest all over the globe, with new ideas and exiting experiments. Things such as this happened before hand (during the 17th and 18th century), but never really progressed into something people really understood. It became a great way to spice up advertisement, though. It was like reading some one else's/characters thoughts on a product, reflecting it back onto your self. Idolisation was a key thing in advertisement; this lead to individual character designs and development through the booming years. Experiments with both real life models and cartoon related models were used back in the day, and even in the current state, we still use both today. 



Interactive Comics, or Interactive Graphic Novels, are similar to most regular Graphic Novels you would see in the shops or news paper. Although, being interactive with something usually means you have to get into the act of the Comics own personal story. Whether it's an animation or a scene where you have to flick the page, move an object, or slash a demon; these are the qualities in which Interactive Comics provide. People mistake it for animation clip or a movie clip, which it is! It needs interactivity from the reader for an animation or happening to occur during a scene, to change position. Or they mistake it as a game, which it could be as challenging, if you believe it to be so. Many things Interactive Comics really could be mistaken for, but there is one thing in particular in which Interactive Comics have; a unique ability to draw the reader in and be one with the whole situation all together.




Examples and Reviews of Interactive Comics;

Comic Volt IC

 (Click here for Website)

In my own personal view, Comic Volt has really outdone themselves with the whole introduction scenes and page turning additions (Pages are spread out at the bottom of the current viewed page). I like the playful design and style of characters, giving them individuality through out each page. There is different stories (Hence the name "Comic Volt", which could suggest "Many Comics" stored inside one place.), each comic spread, which lead you to a cliff hanger for your own imagination to process and make up a scenario that'd happen next. The unfortunate side is this comic hasn't been updated enough to say this is the case, or there would be a sequel to the before comic. The reason could be that the comic is very deeply coded and would take a while for an update to be released or that the designers and artists are busy, what this comic lacks is an update or news area. For the interactivity side, this comic gives enough but it's just making things turn to the next page, clicking on hot spots on the main page and viewing introductions. It's boring and less productive of what it could be. Overall, it's a great and beautifully composed attempt of a gorgeous comic just lacking in the interactive department.

 Dead on Arrival
(Click here for Website)

Dead on Arrival is a deep set comic, with such an intense story which will surely get you on the edge of your seat. The story is about Teacher wanting to up his position in the department, but before entering the office of his own boss, he can hear interaction with his bosses own secretary. Bursting in, the man protagonist dubbed David, uses this as a threat as his boss refuses to land a raise in position. David explains will go as far as to get the man in charge in trouble, knowing full well of his bosses wife's parents, threatens to tell on his boss. As the story goes on, David happens to drink radioactive coffee, which would frankly cost his life. Your objective is to think of who did it and select the culprit, and carry on from there. This comic is very flexible and very understandable, simple and smart. Story wise, it is beautifully designed and is quite catchy, even if it's quite corny as you go through the panels, corniness just adds to the individuality this comic truly has. The effect of using real life models and pursuing to add texture and contrast to make it look like it's a real comic book, I really like this and the whole idea of Dead on Arrival's storyline and layout. The thing I really dislike is the shortness of the story, and not a clear understanding of what you have to do some times, or what the icons and symbol means on the flash page. Updates are not needed for Dead on Arrival as it is just one story, although it could have been carried on, or have different outcomes to the story to make it more interesting and much longer.

NAWLZ
 (Click here for Website)

I have never experienced such a complicated comic as Nawlz. Nawlz is the most favorite out of the three I have looked upon, and I adore the scribbly style of the gorgeous artwork presented in this interactive comic. The story starts off with a man who believes what ever he imagines comes to life in a blink of an eye, but not in front of him, but over time, it's created in another place as a figure, like he's in a dream. Although, the mind of the main character is represented or hosted by a puffer fish, which explains what is clearly happening, and what will go on. I like the overall idea of this comic, in general, and there's hardly nothing to criticise on. The speech is rarely in classic speech bubbles, but in (what seems) as coded text, processing the thoughts and mind of the main character. Interactivity is very heavy, enabling you to over over and experience thoughts or clues to certain things in Nawlz that happens. The characterisation and art is very steam punk; very rough and sharp, and quite pleasing to the eye. There are few colours used (Normally monochrome and slight spectrum appearances.) The comic is updated quite frequently, with brain busting new stories and adventures. The downside is the cluttered effect of the whole comic. It's beautiful to see for many, and it's very nice to experience, but it can be complicated where you can find and carry on with the story with a click of a button.