Books vs Movies vs Comics

The Medium of Mediums – an illustrated story and captured frame!

JLA / Avengers vs Dark Phoenix – John Byrne

We first suppose that the story trumps all. But! – the visual is the lure that elicits interest. Books are marketed with an excerpt that shows the literary style and depicts a dramatic turn in the story. Movies are marketed with a trailer, containing short clips of action or drama meant to build curiosity behind the course of events that lead to these glimpsed moments. Comics are marketed with a bold depiction of a character(s) and a plot-teaser related to the action or drama of the story.

 

 

For most, a book still represents one of the purest forms of storytelling. It is the shortest distance between two points: the story being relayed by the author and the mind of the reader who absorbs the words and translates them with their own experiences and imagination. If the writer describes an attractive character entering the room, the reader will translate the loose description and couple it with ‘what would make that person attractive to them’. You are always guaranteed to be on the same (sorry for this) page as the author. A movie, beyond budgetary concerns, has to deal with casting. They need to not only consider the character the author has depicted, but also take into account-  who the readers have created in their minds. What actor can bring this character to life? Who is enough of a draw to bring in those unfamiliar with the story?

 

A comic walks the line between both worlds. It is an illustrated story. Nothing more, nothing less. We may simplify a comic into being Idealized (or stylized) people in dynamic poses, but we miss the critical consideration. A comic must be successful at both story and art to survive. Where the graphic novel represents a full story designed to be absorbed as a standalone ‘cinematic’ experience, the comic book is a serialized episode and a small slice of the larger story. You must entertain the reader and keep them curious. You must display the story and events in plain sight, but also engage the mind and allow the blank spaces (or panels) to be filled in with imagination. You can’t grab the hottest actor or actress available (both in popularity and charisma) and cross your fingers. You need to depict them and convince your readers again and again- with every panel.

Fantastic Four, Issue 248, Page 6 Penciler: John Byrne Inker: John Byrne

The story is the origin, which is why so many of our most beloved franchises started from text medium. A written account is a near-perfect medium for the sweeping saga. The nostalgia and heavy imprinting was aided by our own imagination. We remember both the story AND the experience of taking in the adventure. Comics get their re-releases, special editions and reboots. A classic book isn’t necessarily re-written by different authors, but several versions of the same story are common. In the same way different writers and illustrators may visit the same material (usually the origin story) and add their own voice and version to the mix.

 

Competition affects and challenges comic books in a unique way. Movies are scheduled to avoid box office competition and it’s rare that similar movies arrive close together. Books, with their extended shelf life, can survive weeks moving up and down the rankings, on different selling lists and charts. Even if a movie is a weak contribution to its genre, the timing can be beneficial as it gets a run as the current offering. With comic books, it’s more than likely that the best example of an idea is STILL being sold and that franchise also has a current comic book for sale. So yes, a comic book must compete with EVERY book in its lane. And for so many comic books, focused on such a narrow subject-matter, the competition for your attention (and dollar) is steep.

 

The idea that ‘anyone can film something’ is pushed back by the gatekeepers of the industry and the studio system (that’s the reason six different companies are listed at the start of films). The open door of ‘anyone can be a writer’ is usually closed with the challenge of writing a good book. A good comic book is one that excels at BOTH story and art, which is why comics provide so much material for books and movies. Maybe that’s because a comic is both – the depicted word and also a captured frame of motion. A measure of appreciation can be earned from understanding the challenges surrounding the creation and presentation of a comic book.

Force Six The Annihilators Episode 03

Episode 03 is Here. Enter Kojin and Fire Destiny.

03: Bullets and Blades

The fiery Fire mixes with the cogent Kojin as The Annihilators go pay a visit to Redder Coltrane and his corrupt crew of criminal cronies. It’s bullets and blades. It’s episode 03 of Force Six, The Annihilators. Drew Spence’s graphic comic continues with the adventures of the futuristic assassination squad.

The Dynamic Universe on Patreon

THE DYNAMIC UNIVERSE goes live on PATREON

Thank you for supporting The Dynamic Universe! We are a creative engine- turning out Graphic Comics, Music and Video. Help us generate new content by getting involved. We are Recording Artists Dynamics Plus, Domino Grey and Fallout Shelter. We are Mark of the Griffin. We are Dynamica Comics – serving you graphic comics and art. Our tastes swing from ambient to epic, from the symphonic to the synthetic. Thank you for joining us on this amazing ride. Together, we’ll bring the far future – closer, faster.

Get involved for behind the page access, exclusive and un-edited content, new music and art. Add your voice and help decide where we go next. It’s your universe. We’re just here to make it more Dynamic. Thank you for your support. It means everything.

https://www.patreon.com/TheDynamicUniverse

 

F.A.Q.    The Dynamic Universe on Patreon

 

Firstly, you are NOT buying a product. You are $upporting The Dynamic Universe and, in turn, getting FREE access to everything we create based on your level of support. You can increase, decrease or modify you $upport level at any time you wish.

 

1) WHY and HOW does the $upport per release vs monthly contribution work?

 

Since the amount of releases per month may change, we feel it is best to accept your pledge ONCE per month. If we do not release any material, you simply do not pay anything for that month. Also, for example, if you pick the $8.00 level of support and we release three projects, you will NOT be charged for each product. You would be charged your one-time contribution of the $8.00 for the ENTIRE month and receive your complete share of the Dynamic Universe content.

 

2) What do you create and release?

 

The Dynamic Universe is the combination of the AVXP music label (Dynamica Music) and Dynamica Comics. We are home to recording artist Dynamics Plus, electronic music producer Domino Grey and the instrumentalists Fallout Shelter. We produce graphic comics with the lead title being Force Six, The Annihilators. We have plans to branch into other mediums and properties. As we get a better idea and a reliable timeframe, all of our Patreon supporters will be updated.

 

3) Can I just give you something in one lump sum?

 

Sure! What I suggest is heading over to the Dynamica Music store and grabbing a few titles. (http://www.dynamicamusic.com/store.asp) Grab multiple copies of the same release if you feel the urge to show some super love this way.

 

4) You have quite a collection already. Can we get your old stuff?

 

Web series and videos like Mark of the Griffin are free to watch and the entire released musical catalogue is available on iTunes, Amazon, Beatport, CD Baby and everywhere digital music is sold. You can also buy it directly from the Dynamica Music store. Once you’re a Patreon supporter, drop us a line and we’ll talk about it. Speaking of which…

 

5) Do the Patreon $upporters have real influence?

 

Of course! This remains flexible. Join us on Patreon to give feedback and help build a better build. This is only 1.0

 

 

For Free Content, you should subscribe to the Dynamic Universe Blog, our youtube.com/DynamicaMusic channel and follow the various artists on the roster. Dynamics Plus, Domino Grey (@DominoGrey), Fallout Shelter, Mark of the Griffin(@MarkoftheGriffin) and The Dynamic Universe @DynamicaMusic.

 

 

 

$1.00 Tier

This is saying ‘Hey, I appreciate your work and want to drop in once a month and say hello.’ No amount of consideration is too small to overlook or take for granted. Thank you.

 

 

$5.00 tier

– early access news updates and releases

– Free download access of the Graphic Comics in PDF format.

– Free access to any musical releases (singles, EPs, albums)

 

$8.00 tier

– early access news updates and releases

– Free download access to an HD QUALITY version of the Graphic Comics PDF

– Free access to any musical releases (singles, EPs, albums) + Remixes

 

BONUS content may include

– unedited version of graphic comics (Mature Version)

– Alternate artwork

– Skype QA session invites

– Behind the panels exclusive looks

– Additional download access of satellite titles

– Prizes and gifts to be announced

– and more is on the way!

 

Thank you for $upporting The Dynamic Universe!

Any questions, drop a line ReachMe@TheDynamicUniverse.com