Comicade

It’s a movie technique that’s been around for over a decade, but one that I’ve only recently become aware of.  They call it “motion comics” and it is… unique.  While many will not like the way motion comics work, I personally find them to be an amazing and artistic blending of some of the best aspects of both movies and comic books, creating something that feels independent and experimental, yet refined.

The animation of a motion comic can take some getting used to.  It uses frozen frames and limited movement to convey the story.  It looks much like someone took a comic book, cut out the various characters and backgrounds with scissors, and then shot a movie frame-by-frame using these pictures in stop-motion format (from what I understand, that is indeed how many fan-made motion comics are constructed).  But the payoff is well-worth it if you’re looking for something that is compelling and allows more storytelling leeway than either cartoons designed for children or big-screen productions aimed at appealing to mass audiences.

The primary disadvantage of motion comics is that the art is not quite the same high-quality that traditional comics are able to produce.  The movement is often choppy and disorienting, depending on the skill level of the ones who created it.  Since it is not fluid, this can be distracting.  And if the voice actors are no good, then you’re forced to watch something that feels like it fails on many levels.

The reasons I have become hooked on these things are many.  When the voice actors are good, they bring the characters to life in a way that surpasses normal cartoons.  If the pacing is excellent, the story flows in such a way as to draw the viewer in.  It does not follow the big-screen pattern of cramming as much into a movie as possible, nor does it rely on the patience and pacing of the reader, as do comic books.  When the elements are combined in a skillful manner, a motion comic is a sometimes-slow, sometimes-hectic storytelling experience that produces a specific reaction in the viewer.

Also, since these are low-budget and often independently produced, they are allowed to deal with subject matter that just doesn’t fly when you have to drop millions on a film.  Philosophical discussion, blood and gore and high levels of sexuality can all be addressed without worry of reprisal from large wallets that will squelch a project for fear of losing money.  Often, the motion comics which are being produced right now are based on already successful comic book stories and since the format is relatively new, only the best are being converted.

The feel of a motion comic is one of maturity, despite the sometimes amateurish feeling that the art style conveys.  Many people look down on this new technique, but me, I’m hooked.  Some of the best I’ve found so far, in case you wish to peruse them are: Batman: Black and White, Watchmen, Iron Man: Extremis and The Astonishing X-Men: Gifted.  Give them a look and you may find yourself surprised.

The time is almost upon us – the first Saturday of the month of May.  Or known by those of us in the geek world as Free Comic Book Day (FCBD).  This event happens every year and comic shops all around the world participate.  All you have to do to get in on the free comic action is find a local comic store that honors this sacred holiday and head on over.  They’ll have your book waiting for you (assuming they haven’t already run out).

For those of us who have been collecting comics for a long time, this is an opportunity to get a book to add to our collection.  Usually the books aren’t the best, but it’s something to read and it is, of course, free.  Perhaps a more important function of FCBD is that it potentially introduces new blood to the world of comics.  Many kids just don’t have the money to buy comic books, especially considering that quite a few titles have become prohibitively expensive in recent years.  This gives them a chance to see what the industry has to provide and perhaps understand a little more about the hobby in general.

Comic book makers naturally use FCBD as an opportunity to promote their upcoming storylines or new series, trying to get people to jump on board with whatever they happen to be releasing.  This year, there are several big names available, such as Avengers, DC’s New 52, Star Wars, Judge Dredd and Spider-Man.  There are also a few preview compilations from Image and Valiant.  Some new titles are on the list, as well as a variety of books aimed specifically at younger readers.

Some shops get the glory of hosting those involved in the comic world, including some famous artists who sign their books for the fans.  This year Los Angeles will be hosting the entire cast of The Guild to sign their own book!  Too bad I live so very far away. Unfortunately, the biggest guests are usually in the biggest cities, so those in smaller towns may have to settle for their free comic and leave it at that.  There are, however, some shops which turn FCBD into a day of celebration, with games, prizes, charity events and cosplay shows.  The infamous Star Wars 501^st will be showing up in Rancho Cucamonga this year.

Free Comic Book Day helps to keep the industry growing by introducing new fans to the genre, old fans to new titles and letting everyone have a good time in the process.  And, of course, you get something for free, which is as good a reason as any to seek out your local comic shop and take a drive down there on Saturday, May 5.

Writer/director Morgan Spurlock, of Super Size Me fame, has released another documentary, this time detailing life at the San Diego Comic Con.  This is a film that every comic book geek will surely appreciate, as it is a revealing look at the nature of the convention and, most importantly, what drives people to attend.  By taking a candid look at several individuals, as well as integrating interviews with some of the genre’s greatest personalities, Spurlock achieves a work of pure brilliance and captures the essence of what makes this counter-culture tick.

The basic premise of the film follows a handful of attendees, exploring the reasons why they are there and documenting the trials and tribulations that they must undergo in order to achieve their goals.  The main characters consist of two artists who are there to get their work discovered and possibly break into the industry, a dealer who is trying to break even while avoiding the sale of his prized possession, a costume designer and her crew who have come to participate in the Masquerade, a collector who is looking to buy a limited-edition toy and a couple that met at the SDCC a year previous (the male half of which is looking to propose).

Each person is representative of a whole segment of society and the hobbies that they hold dear.  By watching their stories unfold, the audience gets a unique insight into their lives.  Spurlock does this by not only following them at the convention, but also detailing the events both before and after the event.  Viewers will find themselves routing for these real people as they follow their dreams.

In the process of these unfolding stories, the SDCC’s geek culture is explored.  The famous names that Spurlock interviews share their love of the convention, their first experiences there and reactions they had when first meeting some of the people that inspired them to be who they are today.  The convention is addressed as a coming together of outcasts and geeks in one location, making friends and bonding over the things that they love.

Spurlock captures the heart of the convention artfully and leaves you wanting to know more people and hear more experiences.  Every true comic geek should watch this film at least once.

And here is the trailer - but a taste of the full experience:

Those who have been keeping track of the Before Watchmen progress no doubt know that J. Michael Straczynski has been chosen to craft the stories of not only Dr. Manhattan, but also the Nite Owl.  Those who don’t know who JMS is might take a look at the television show Babylon 5 to witness what genius he is capable of.  He has also spent many years (six in total) contributing to Amazing Spider-Man, as well as putting in his share of work on Thor, Superman and Rising Stars.  He is but one of many amazing writers and artists set to work on the new Watchmen prequels, though definitely the one who has piqued my interest the most.

In recent interviews with comics.ign.com and newsarama.com, JMS made a point of defending himself against the hate aimed at the Before Watchmen series from both  original series creator Alan Moore and the legion of fans who agree with Moore that prequels should not be made.  On a more positive note, he also expressed his eagerness to explore Dr. Manhattan and Nite Owl.  More particularly, he gave a little info on what fans might expect from the two mini-series.

Dr. Manhattan’s story, JMS stated, will be a look at his life, both past and future events (as is possible given his unique condition).  JMS wishes to explore the contrast between Dr. Manhattan being a creature of ultimate power with the qualities of being a human being.

With Nite Owl, JMS wants to show how he came to the conclusion to become the  new Nite Owl and how he approached his predecessor and managed to convince him to hand down the mantle of super-hero status.  JMS will be starting the character very young and looking at the events of his life, including the infamous and short-lived partnership with Rorschach.

Though some may be bad-mouthing the new books, personally I am looking forward to them.  As JMS expressed in the above-mentioned interviews, there is no necessity which drives the creation of the prequels, only a desire to further explore the characters and there are most certainly fans out there that will be as appreciative as Moore and his supporters are angry.