Different Types Of Graphic Narratives

There are many styles and genres of graphic narratives and they vary in what format they are in also. For example, some include; comic books, graphic novels, cartoon strips, photo stories, packaging, advertising, publicity material and digital media. All formats represent a form or either fiction or non fiction that tells a story in a sequential, graphic narrative. 

A number of examples were available to study and make notes on. I chose a graphic narrative called Watchmen. The comic book series was created by writer Alan Moore, artist Dave Gibbons, and colourist John Higgins. Some would say that Watchmen is a Superhero based narrative but the story takes digs and critisices the Superhero concept. Watchmen depicts an alternate history where superheroes emerged in the 1940s and 1960s, helping the United States to win the Vietnam War. The country is edging towards a nuclear war with the Soviet Union, freelance costumed vigilantes have been outlawed and most former superheroes are in retirement or working for the government. The story focuses on the personal development and struggles of the protagonists as an investigation into the murder of a government sponsored superhero pulls them out of retirement, and eventually leads them to confront a plot that would stave off nuclear war by killing millions of people. Watchmen is a hand drawn comic book. Throughout the comic book the colour scheme tends to follow a dark theme, even when using primary colours. The comic book has also been made into a film and also there is a story within the story called Tales Of The Black Freighter.

 

Official Watchmen Trailer

I also looked at the series of Scott Pilgrim Vs The World Comic Books. The style was completely different in comparisson to Watchmen. It has been drawnin black and white, relying more on the amount of shading. Like Watchmen, Scott Pilgrim has been made into a film. It was then made into a retro styled video game.

Official Movie Trailer