Week 5: The Graphic Novel

For this week's graphic novel response I'll be focusing on Blankets by Craig Thompson. I wasn't sure what to expect from this selection, but almost immediately enjoyed it, and after having read it I can say I really loved it.

First and foremost, I think part of what separates it as a graphic novel rather than a comic is, aside from the obvious length of it, the fact that Thompson himself calls it an "illustrated novel." There are traditionally placed panels throughout, but several illustrations take up a whole page. Additionally, it felt like the focus of the story was more in the writing than the illustrations, though the illustrations no doubt added a magical and irreplaceable element to the work.

Most noticeably, Thompson's use of perspective is very stretched and dramatic. This is especially effective when paired with the characters' expressions. The perspective and the composition of each panel/illustration reads as almost cinematic; I can see each scene play out in my head.

These illustrations also act as smooth transitions between points in the narrator's life. The more playful, whimsical illustrations help portray his perspective as a child, and more dramatic illustrations help transition him into young adulthood. This helps with the theme of coming of age. Especially moving to me were the more romantic and sensual moments of the story, which made the outcome of his and Raina's relationship all the more hitting.

Overall, thematically speaking, Blankets does a beautiful job of capturing Craig's young life. I enjoyed it more and more with each page and am really glad I was exposed to it, and might be doing another read-through.

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