While I was growing up I used to read the comics in the paper every Sunday with my dad. Never once have I picked up an actual graphic novel because I was under the impression that they were nothing more than glorified comic strips. I have now learned that I was severely incorrect.
Zorro opened my eyes to another world of literacy. It showed me that graphic novels aren’t just adult picture books for short-lived entertainment. Every little stroke of the pen is struck in a manor to inflict the reader with an emotion. The words are placed in text bubbles and are in a font that strikes certain feeling into ones heart. The text bubbles are shaped to reflect the emotion inferred by the text it carries. The way each frame it set up also reflects the way the story plays out. Smaller frames overlap the larger picture in some areas to act as a build-up for the overall scene. The pictures themselves are in magnificent detail! Every character has emotion etched into their faces to convey to the reader the exact feeling of the scene. If the scene is a battle, then the illustration is a bloodbath, the rapes are graphic, and the love is overwhelming. One cannot help but be sucked into the story as if they were watching a movie and not reading a novel.
One particular picture that captured my attention is in the second chapter when the pirates attack. The picture itself isn't completely in color. Diego is hiding behind his mother who is wielding two swords, in preparation for battle. This picture is meant to catch attention and keep the reader interested in what happens next. The way the blood is shown, as the only color in the picture, lets one know that something graphic is about to happen. Human curiosity keeps the reader turning the pages. Later in the chapter when the attack actually happens, the warrior within Diego's mother emerges and she sacrifices herself for her son. Her face shows no signs of fear, and when her blade goes through a man's throat, the illustrator graphically depicts pieces of flesh and blood spewing out of the exit wound. Graphic novels even add in text to put sound affects into the reader's mind.
One particular picture that captured my attention is in the second chapter when the pirates attack. The picture itself isn't completely in color. Diego is hiding behind his mother who is wielding two swords, in preparation for battle. This picture is meant to catch attention and keep the reader interested in what happens next. The way the blood is shown, as the only color in the picture, lets one know that something graphic is about to happen. Human curiosity keeps the reader turning the pages. Later in the chapter when the attack actually happens, the warrior within Diego's mother emerges and she sacrifices herself for her son. Her face shows no signs of fear, and when her blade goes through a man's throat, the illustrator graphically depicts pieces of flesh and blood spewing out of the exit wound. Graphic novels even add in text to put sound affects into the reader's mind.
Zorro himself speaks to the reader in ways to captivate them. As a mestizo, half Indian and half Spanish, he is already in the oppressed minority. Most people are considered a minority in some way and upon learning Zorro’s heritage feels connected to him already. Zorro’s Christian name is Diego de la Vega. His milk-brother, and best friend, is Bernardo. Bernardo is an Indian who acts as Diego’s servant. Their friendship grasps the reader’s attention and allows them to relate even more to the characters. After the tragic experience against the raiding pirates that killed their mothers, Bernardo never speaks, and his friend’s mute tongue reminds Diego what fuels his desire for justice. The hate for the pirates, the remembrance of his mother, and the soldiers cruel acts against the minorities give him more than enough reason to embrace his talents with the sword and fight for justice.
After completing this amazing novel I have decided to investigate other graphic novels that I have been recommended. I am going to look more into Serenity; a novel based off the hit TV show Firefly, and Manga novels.
I like your point about how good graphics can put sound effects into the reader's mind. You also make a good note of how Bernardo's refusal to speak is a constant reminder of the attack, which would fuel Zorro's fight for justice. I do recommend the Serenity series, but I would be very careful of what Manga you pick up. Much of that genre is wretched, even though a few are quite good. Be picky.
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