Ink pens and markers on 8.5" x 5.5" paper by Joe Chiappetta 2009
Your Feedback Needed Now!
I am considering printing a big book in 2010 where it is a science fiction novel (60,000 words, just prose) and in between each of the 60 short chapters are two to four comics, wherein each comic is a one panel gag. The comics are only somewhat related to the story, but do not DIRECTLY advance the story. An important (but not main) character is actually the character whose comics the reader will see in between the chapters. But again, they don't directly advance the story. It's not at all a book about a comics creator. The book is a solid sci-fi novel with futuristic space action, social commentary, apocalyptic scenarios, and more than a few robotic twists.
Assuming that BOTH the prose and the comics were good, here is my question:
Would mixing science fiction prose with comics be interesting?
Your input would be most appreciated.
7 comments:
I think the comics in between sounds like extra noise. Maybe the comics could be a separate bonus.
Can't wait to see it whatever you decide!!!
I think I'd like to see the comics in there!!
alice (of _wonderland_) fame
sez "what good is a book
without pictures or conversation"...
much like silly daughter...
and _alice_ without tenniel
would be a very different...
and a poorer... part of the
readerly imagination for
many of us. you're joey chips
and you'd be crazy not to
play to your strengths.
put the comics in.
having your book *look*
different... in an interesting
way... is much of the marketing
if my many years of haunting
bookstores is any guide.
SF or not.
it's no fun if nobody reads it.
nobody reads it that doesn't
pick it up and think "hmm."
better still if they think "wow".
you can do this with your
graphics chops. it isn't cheating.
publish!
http://www.victorianweb.org/art/illustration/tenniel/alice/gallery1.html
I'm not into science fiction much Joe. I did a historical fiction piece for school and portfolio but was based on the Apollo 11 mission, which I enjoyed putting together. I think I would be more interested in the comics that the story unless it was a biography. Hope that helps.
Marc
Hi, Joe. I think including comics is a great idea. I saw a novel last year (can't remember the title) that was a combination of written story with some pages of comics included. I liked it. You can explain how the comics fit into the story when you write the introduction. Go for it.
This is the ADD generation! The more comics the better!
Thanks everyone for your sincere replies. I fully intended to put the comics between each chapter and I even made 1 printed draft of it. However, I then had a die-hard comics and sci-fi fan read it and he said it didn't work together. I agree with him and trust his judgment about media. He even went on to say that the sci-fi story was so riveting that he just skipped over the comics after a while so he could keep following the action. Therefore, it is looking like my sci-fi novel will not have comics in it after all.
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