A one-frame comic strip
Much as I love writing my own graphic novels, and of course reading the classics like “Watchmen” and “V for Vendetta”, I have a lot of respect for those artists who have the talent to create an entire story in just one picture. Throughout history there have been dozens of artists who had that talent, from Hieronymous Bosch and his visions of Hell in ‘The Garden of Earthy Delights'to modern artists like Paul Horton and Beryl Cook. The subject matter may have changed since the 15th century, from religion and images of heaven and hell, to modern-day men and women on a night out in unnamed northern towns, but the ability to sum up a story, or even one person’s life, in a simple snapshot is a talent that I don’t think I’ll ever have.
I would love to be able to say so much in such a small space, but garrulousness has always been my problem! There was a short story competition at my school when I was younger with an impressive top prize of £100. The limit was 500 words; my entry came in at a whopping 3,000 and would have won if I could have stuck to the rules. The problem was that I had so much to say, I couldn’t bear to take out any of my carefully-chosen words.
And it’s the same with my graphic novels. I put so much love and effort into creating each frame that it seems harsh to take any of them out! So the idea of reducing a lovingly-created comic strip into just one frame that can sum up a story or emotion seems completely bizarre to me. Why do you think I always have such trouble creating my front covers? It would be great to go back in time and get some tips from Bosch on how to create the ultimate one-frame story. Even if the results were a bit insane. If you’ve ever seen one of his paintings, then you’ll know what I mean!
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