Realistic or Cartoony?

The biggest debate in character expression is which draws the reader in more: realistic representational art or more cartoony art like newspaper strips. That’s not a debate I’m going to be able to settle here (or ever, probably), but I do have a few thoughts on the subject. The cartoon style has a wider appeal because the expressions are exaggerated and plain to see. Also, because the character doesn’t look like a real person, it is easier for the reader to graft his own characteristics onto the character—the reader is more likely to see part of himself in the cartoon character. Representational art—more photorealistic—is better at creating a character that will be of some new interest to the reader. I may not recognize myself in the realistic art because the character may look like someone else I know or like characters from the movies, but if you’re building a character that I’m not meant to identify with a lot, this is the approach to take. For example, if you’re telling a story about a hit man, I’m not likely to connect a lot with the character. Of course, I want to connect enough to get involved in his story, but I’m not likely to have experienced a lot of the same events or react to situations in the same way that he will. But I can be drawn in—I can be interested in what this guy’s life is like. If a hit man’s story is told in a cartoon-like style, then I’m more likely to be grafting my own emotions and thoughts onto the character. My favorite comic of all time is Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. I saw myself in Calvin’s character every morning. The cartoon style made that very easy. My favorite representational comic is V for Vendetta. I don’t relate to the title character at all, but it’s our differences that intrigue me. His ideas and motivations are so different from my own that I’m drawn in and I want to get to know him rather than see myself reflected back at me.

Honest Expressions

Kevin Maguire draws honest expressions.

Batman, Blue Beetle and Martian Manhunter: ©2008 DC Comics. All rights reserved.