Grant Morrison

Recently I read an article in a magazine including an interview with comic book writer Grant Morrison answering questions involving his latest project, comic book "Happy". The main character used to be a cop, but after unfortunate events he finds himself working as a hitman for the mob to pay for sex, drugs and eczema. After studying many stereotypes I thought it was great to see a main character in a comic book that isn't admired by any one. However, it isn't all as simple as hired assassinations, the main character has some sort of accident allowing him to see some sort of horse/unicorn type character which guides him on a mission. This strange combination appeals to me adding to my knowledge of graphic narratives rather than superhero/hero based ones. From the previews of illustration I also admire the dark theme to the comic and the detail to some weird images that some other writers/designers/illustrators may not like due to the distance from the norm of comic book illustration. Grant has also built a huge reputation from his narratives and contributions to DC and Marvel comics such as Batman, Superman, X-Men and Fantastic 4. I then researched into more of Grant's work finding the comic book "The Invisibles". The plot follows a secret organization fighting physical and psychic oppression using time travel, magic meditation and physical violence. From the short study and introduction I've seen of Morrison's work, I really like his own projects (briefly scanning across others such as "Doom Patrol", "WE3", "The Filth" and "Flex Mentallo") showing amazing and unique ideas, but also even when he writes for DC and Marvel, there's a great emphasis on him doing it his way and stamping his own independent mark on the work.

 

Main character in Grant Morrison's latest project "Happy".

Grant Morrison's, The Invisibles.

Reading this article has really helped me expand my knowledge of graphic narratives even further. It has allowed me to think of ways to brainstorm more ideas for my graphic narrative, especially emphasising the distance I will try to create from stereotypes. The way in which Grant has a unique style compared to many of the other comic books I've seen was another factor I really liked about his work.