Comics as Contemporary Literature - Asterios Polyp.

For Comics as Contemporary Literature, I read Asterios Polyp.

I think this book is a little over my head intellectually, but I was able to grasp some of the concepts and explore some of the themes from reading the work once.  Often times works of Contemporary Literature are interlaced with symbol and metaphor, which require complex understanding of ethics, religion, philosophy, psychology, etc.  In order to understand the true meaning of a work, one must understand the underlying foundation of the author and areas of study which help flesh out the piece.  Written Literature has been one of the most profound formats for expressing intellectual concepts through the use of metaphor and representation. However, with the availability of easier methods of print and reproduction the concept of printing images along with words has become much more prominent.

Asterios Polyp. Is a great example of a modern day graphic novel that really understands the possibilities of using the Comic medium as a means for relaying complex story driven ideas, with layers of deep intellectual thought.  This book follows Asterios, a professor of architect and his struggles with every day life.  The book explores his struggles with his wife and the dualities of thought that plague their relationship. (reason vs. emotion) A very complex subject that could be quickly overlooked in a book with just words, becomes much more understandable with images showing the relationships. For example, there is a great panel with Asterios and his wife where she is asking him: "What makes you think you're always right?".  The artist chose to represent Asterios as a very mechanical and structural line drawing, showing the form and contour of the actual drawing, the mechanical side of drawing. Something that would be very hard to represent in words and concepts, but can easily be seen in a drawing. On the other hand his wife, the female character is represented in a much more emotional and personal manner. She is shaded with tone and value rather than relying on solid lines and contour, her environment is also reflected in this sense of light, creating an emotional feeling.  This is one example of the power of using images in relation to text.  The ability to convey very complex ideas, becomes extremely simple through the use of images.

 










Often times a reader less privy to the complexities of written language will become lost in the void of text which fills a page.  Complex ideas are much harder to understand because of the daunting requirement of interpretation and the use of the imagination.  However, with a series of simple images the viewer can quickly discern the authors intentions and have a more firm understanding of the materials motives laid out before him.  I think this is one of the most powerful components of the Comic medium as a means for conveying Literary concepts.  Although, potentially more simple in communicating a complex message or thought, I believe the message is just as powerful and potentially more accessible to the masses, making Comics a great platform for Contemporary Literature. A great example of this is Asterios Polyp.