Poetry and Batman

I don't like going into a project without the confidence that I know what I need to know, at least at the most basic level, to complete it well. In my endeavor to create an idea for and complete a script for a graphic narrative, I have been trying to familiarize myself with them.

I have been looking at them, watching films made from them. I am pleasantly surprised by what I am finding; poetry to be exact.

In all of the quirks of comics, the last thing I expected to find was  poetry, but its everywhere. Don't let the manner its delivered fool you. The connection between the images and the story works to not only tell the story, but show the emotion of the story. But neither would work as well without the incredible dialogue.

It's short, to the point, and so often brings images of 1930's black and white with a shadowed  detective sitting behind his desk in a cloud of smoke. There is rhythm and even at times rhyme.

It is difficult to deliver a truly developed story within such tight restraints. In general, however, it is done quite well. You get intrigue, history, suspense, action in a very direct and artful manner.Yes, I feel comfortable in saying that graphic narratives are definitely poetic.

I look forward to the challenge of creating as dynamic a piece as those I have encountered so far.

I feel like I just got a backstage pass at a concert of a band I have never heard before. Everyone is really excited, quoting their favorite lyrics, and arguing which track is best. A few people are wearing their favorite band t-shirts. They all seem to somehow fit here. They know what they are talking about. They know the songs, the lyrics, all the band members favorite foods and old habits. I don't even know their names.

I'm adventurous, mostly. Taking chances on things that we would not usually consider when the opportunity arises is something I believe we should do. So, here I am.


As a creative studies student, I had the opportunity to take a class on writing comic books and graphic novels. Mind you, I have never read a comic book save a few Archie comics my mom bought me to keep me occupied while in line at the grocery store. I didn't even know The Watchmen was a graphic novel for several months after its release. It's just not really part of the literary world in which I partake.

I have nothing against comic books, just never really thought about them that much. In fact, growing up, I kind of always thought of them as boy magazines. I had no idea of their historic relevance or their impact on popular culture. I find it fascinating.

So now I must dive right in. Somehow, I need to figure out how I can get myself to fit in this medium and then come up with something worthy of it. Honestly, the latter is a little more than scary.