week 5: the graphic novel. (3)

 There is a very powerful level of engagement created in "contract with god" through the medium of the graphic novel. Not only was it a very powerful story, but the visual elements helped it a great deal. The low angles to show Hersch being weak and without power, versus the almost scary lighting and upshots on him when he takes control making him look intimidating, it all helps to really sell the story. Actually this was the most engaged i have been with any story we have read, and i firmly believe it was a combination of the strong story and the striking visuals. these same elements transfer over to blankets. a common technique used by the author was to use value and the roughness of line shading to create a certain mood. usually to emphasize a mood of depression. However in blankets the author also uses metaphorical imagery, such as exaggerating their size, or turning them into demons, or holy figures, thus getting use more into the mind and imagination of the view and thus connecting with them more. Both stories also employ very strong and relatable characters, there is a realness to them and makes us want to read more about them. This realness is brought to the drawings as well. They are extremely expressive, and really sell the emotions of the characters. It is the constant relationship between the powerful imagery, the strong characters and the relatable writing that makes these stories extremely engaging.

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