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I had a 'thinkify' about why 'comic books might be good for putting over complicated information in an accessible way' as the phrase goes, especially in comparison to either text only books or films as a way of doing that. And here is what I came up with:

1. A quite large amount of text can be shown on each page - around 150 words in either captions or speech balloons is ok. Less than in a text only book, of course, but still quite a large amount if we are considering about 'putting over information'.

2. That text can be worded at a high level of sophistication, if needed - comparable to most novels, or non fiction books (despite the largely incorrect image of comic book text often being less grammatically correct).


(a page from 'Targeting Israeli Apartheid', a long report by Corporate Watch, art Rejena Smiley)

3. The text has visuals to support the understanding of the information - indeed, the understanding is conveyed by both the words and the visuals in a complex interplay. This allows some things to be understood in a more holistic fashion, or in a way that draws on a wider range of the brain's cognitive abilities than text alone. The reader may also feel that having recognisable characters or locations or some visual motifs creates a sense of continuity that provides a firm, even comforting, basis for the processing of the ideas being conveyed.

4. The visual aspect makes the page and the whole book more appealing on a variety of levels: firstly, it feels less off putting than the idea of reading an equivalent book of only text. People are likely to think a 200 page book with images is going to be easier to read than a 200 page text only book - regardless of if it is or not - and therefore are more likely to actually read it. Secondly, the attractive quality of the visuals will carry the reader along during the actual process of reading. Therefore they are likely to read MORE of the book, rather than put it down half way through, or lose focus. And the aspect that draws on visual processing, as mentioned in 3., can make the info more appealing for those who tend towards that way of taking in info.

(from 'The Story of Lee', NBM Publishing, art by Chie Kutsuwada)

5. The comic book is a physical thing that has the advantage over a film presentation of similar material in that it goes at YOUR speed, you can turn the page when you, the reader, decide. When you are ready and have processed the information on the present page. In contrast when we watch a film it goes at its own rate, regardless of the viewer. It does not wait to make sure we have 'got' the ideas presented yet, it just walks on. And this is true even despite the ability to pause and rewind. Because the pause/rewind control needs a rather troublesome decision to break with the f

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And good luck to the occupymovement protestors today in NY - keep at it lads and lassies!

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The recent Occupy Movements (#ows movement) or 'We are the 99%' are very pleasing to see. I am in support of these people in the USA, in my own country of the UK, and all around the world, demonstrating for change in the system we live under. It's desperately needed. 


"Occupy Wall Street is leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions. The one thing we all have in common is that We Are The 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%. We are using the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic to achieve our ends and encourage the use of nonviolence to maximize the safety of all participants.
This #ows movement empowers real people to create real change from the bottom up. We want to see a general assembly in every backyard, on every street corner because we don't need Wall Street and we don't need politicians to build a better society.
the only solution is WorldRevolution"

Here are some sites to check out:

0 Comments on Occupy Movement - comic books as of 1/1/1900

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And just come out in the latest issue of my old University's magazine, 'Caledonian Plus' , which features a special 2 page strip in the centre pages, about my time there. Also nice!

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Since we are often asked how do you make comics, what is the process, etc, we decided to put a four page section at the book of YAKUZA MOON to show a bit about that. Here is what Michiru said about her art process:

"In this lively and inspiring adaptation by a rising star in the manga world, and with illustrations by a leading artist, Shoko Tendo's powerful story has been recreated. Yakuza Moon is a heartrending and eye-opening account of her experiences growing up in Japan's gangster society.

Born into the family of a wealthy yakuza boss, Shoko Tendo lived her early years in luxury. But labeled "the yakuza kid," she was the victim both of bullying and discrimination from teachers and classmates at school, and of her father's drunken rages at home. Then, the family fell into debt, and Tendo fell in with the wrong crowd. By the age of fifteen she was a gang member; by the age of eighteen, a drug addict; and in her twenties, a willing participant in a series of abusive and violent relationships with men.

Tendo sank lower and lower. After the death of her parents and her own suicide attempt, she began a tortuous, soul-searching reevaluation of the road she had taken. An unconventional act of empowerment (getting tattooed from the base of her neck to the tips of her toes) finally helped her take control of her life, leading to redemption and happiness.

Already an international success and translated into fourteen languages, Tendo's story is sure to appeal to many new fans in this outstanding graphic version."  

The book can be got from bookshops or via amazon (a quick link to this is on the right side panel of my blog here. Or press the post title) . Give it a go!
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