I still required some reference even in the introduction. I have also updated my research questions and abstract; things that I have not touched since two weeks ago.
Here is the introduction to my essay. I struggled to create connections between children's comics and the horror genre. I could not find a spot to slip the horror/creepy concept through in this introduction. I may have to include it earlier on. I would have to go back for reiterations later. Additionally, I felt like my use of language sounded too colloquial, and there was not enough use of more intelligent words or phrases. However, I did manage to communicate my argument rather clearly. I made some notes at the bottom for myself to consider, hopefully I could resolute these issues soon.
Essay Introduction (21/03/16):
Comics. Hearing this term
many may consider its ubiquitous presence in the media these days. From its
humble beginnings as disposable newspaper strips to prized collective items to
the now blockbuster film adaptations on the silver screen, comics stand as a
prominent form of entertainment. As the comic films become increasingly
widespread, they have also drawn people back to the original source material.
And with that, fervent comic readers begin emerging, and discovering an
immensely comprehensive world of comics. The following of comics is undeniably
growing, both in numbers and diversity. This leads to the idea of why comics
are so effective in engaging its readers. Scott McCloud puts it this way, as
reading comics require “closure” --- the act of viewing parts but perceiving
the whole; it forces the reader to participate, to connect the broken sequences
of images into a coherent story (footnote here). Closure builds upon the
reader’s learned knowledge, and by doing so, involves them in the comic reading
experience. And this is the heart of comics. But has comics truly lived up to
its potential? In the digital age, comics seem to have yet take full advantage
of its ability to exist in more than one form of media. Also, children’s choices
for comics seem relatively lacking, with the majority of genres being
action/adventure related (find reference here). If comics are so engaging and
fun to read, why are there not many targeted at children? Why are comics for
children not as nearly as diverse as picture books? Perhaps the majority
believe that comics hold no educational value for young readers. That it is
shallow in what is conveying and its artistry cannot compete with that of an
illustrative children’s book. But as aforementioned from McCloud, comics
require input from its reader, so that they are contributing their own
imagination rather than just a passive looker. Children are at a stage where
their imaginations run actively, and comics can accommodate that by providing
them with rich, whimsical and even frightening worlds they can get lost
in. There is also no limitation for
comics, whether if it is the subject matter, genre or media (footnote here).
And there should be no limitations for who can read them either.
- ----How do I link the genre of comic (the
Uncanny) of my project to engaging younger readers?
- ---- The jump from comics’ potential as
multiple forms of media to children’s comics seem rather spontaneous, how can I
fix this?
Research Question(s) (21/03/16):
How can younger readers be furthered
engaged in reading comics with the integration of interactive elements?
How can an interactive comic deepen the
engagement of younger readers by providing them with thought-provoking
themes/subject matter and allowing them to make their own decisions in order to
shape the narrative?
Abstract (21/03/16):
As comics’
popularity continue to grow, it may be fitting to find new ways to explore its
potential in the digital age. Comics, as described by Will Eisner is “sequential
art”, a sequence of words and images to create meaning or a story (Eisner,
1985). Furthering this idea, Scott McCloud states that in order to form a
coherent story with these sequences of images, the reader must be able to use
closure--- the ability to view the parts but perceive the whole, to read
comics. This can be seen as the most significant aspect of what makes comic
reading so engaging. With this in mind, my project investigates how integrating
interactive elements could further reader engagement. The objection is to
create an interactive, adventure horror comic aimed primarily at children; and within this genre I will
create a rich, whimsical world readers can get lost in. The narrative aspect of
the comic will be interactive, providing the reader the ability to choose their
own paths in the comic, thus provoking them to think consciously about
decision-making and even forcing them to anticipate the consequences of those
decisions they make. The implementation of the project will be structured in a
systematic pipeline, following a workflow built upon solid planning. This is a
project that will hopefully develop reading and thinking skills in children, as
well as create an engaging, playful experience for them. The theories and
methodologies of this practice will hopefully lay down paths for others to
employ and build upon in the future.
Here are just some random doodles I did on the train. And yes, the one on the far right is Lu.
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