BOGDAN GROZAVU | GRAPHICS SEVALET YEAR II

DRAWN BENZENE

Comic book
represents a publication in which one or more narratives are told through the means of
the language and conventions of comic strips.
The definition of the term is disputed among specialists, and therefore so is the origin of this form of art.
it is also disputed. The origins of American comic strips must be sought in the newspapers of
the beginning of the century in America, where they appeared to comment on various cartoons or to
supports different simple stories. The first example of 'comics', according to the American definition
The phenomenon of comic books in the United States is considered to be The Adventures of Obadiah.
Oldbuck.

The comic book

The comic book is considered the ninth art. A comic book is a magazine or
a book containing a sequential art in the form of a narrative. Although the term implies otherwise, the subject
studies in comic books do not have to be funny, and in fact their seriousness
dramatic varies greatly. The term 'comic strips' in this context refers to
frames of different sizes, each containing an image that illustrates dynamically or statically
the action that takes place in the narrative thread of that story. In the last quarter of the 20th century, due to
the acceptance of comic strips by the general public, the term graphic novel was invented, in order to
differentiate between comic strips considered childish and those with a more mature content and story.
The first comic strips were collections of humorous frames taken from newspapers, and the commercial success
of these collections has led to the development of this medium of expression. The versions of comic strips
known as graphic novels, they were usually those with a hardcover or those bound in the style of a
books and not of the type of a magazine.

2. American comic books

American comic books have been associated with the superhero tradition.
the American term for comic books would be 'comic books' from where it originated
controversy with the use of a different term (graphic novels) to differentiate between those that
I aimed at an audience mostly made up of children and teenagers. The modern industry of
comic books began in the United States in 1930, when the superhero stereotype was introduced.
Superman. American fans and enthusiasts divide American comic books into different
The U.S. also originates the countercultural comic strips and those
underground/alternative. Comic book sales had decreased at the time it appeared.
the television, but they regained popularity in the '50s and '60s due to the way they approached
Stan Lee superheroes in the real world. Later, the influence of Japanese comics appeared,
the so-called manga and the recognition of the medium among academics, literary critics, and art museums have
solidified this as a form of art by establishing traditions, styles, conventions, and artistic evolution.
The way comics are illustrated in the U.S. is specific, with the characters being
designate in ideal form and dressed in costumes to highlight these characteristics.
Men have well-defined muscles, just like women. Girls typically have a preference for men who have a
jaw that gives them a somewhat rectangular face at the bottom, while women have a face
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oval. The heroes are depicted in different costumes, while the villains usually cover their faces.
Anti-heroes are also present, representing the dark side of justice, who use
any means to fulfill their will. The big American comic companies are
Marvel and DC. Marvel trying to address the issue of the unnecessary genocide of mutants due to
differences, while DC has more somber stories, horror and dramas. Another style regarding illustration
American comic books, unlike the ideal body type found in Marvel/DC, can be found in
comic strips published by renowned artists, such as Frank Miller or comic books
independent products, this type being known as attempts to bring the world of comics
of the artistic work. Artistic recognition occurred at the moment when comic strips received
prizes outside the category they belonged to, as told in Maus by Art Spiegelman A
won the Pulitzer Prize by illustrating events from World War II
representing the Jews and the rest of the people as mice and the Nazis as cats, but with a strong
dramatic shade. Or how The Sandman written by Neil Gaiman won the World Fantasy Award,
for the best short story. The way comics are produced is one
meticulous. Initially, the first illustration of the story is made by a pencil artist, who holds a close
connection with the writer to determine if the way he drew the sequences fits into the atmosphere
of the story, then another artist comes over the pencil sketch and establishes the contrasts with ink and fills in.
the entire composition, so that the coloring can be done by another artist. Each of these artists
It influences the atmosphere of the scene and must exactly highlight what needs to be emphasized and what should be.
treated with less interest to balance the composition. And then comes the one who adds the text, who
must have professional knowledge regarding calligraphy to represent as accurately as possible
fine what is illustrated.

3. Franco-Belgian comic books

In the French and Belgian space, comic strips are considered the ninth art. France and Belgium are
two countries that have a long tradition in comic books, where they are called
BDs (short for bande dessinée). Unlike the American term 'comics'
(amusing) it involves a form of art that cannot be taken seriously, here comic strips are
private ca the new art and the conception about them is different. In America, comic strips from France and
In Europe in general, they are classified as graphic novels due to the way they are.
printed (in large quantities, in volumes). French-Belgian comics have a unique style in which
as for the way they are illustrated. Unlike the very realistic and idealistic manner used
Unlike most American comic artists, Franco-Belgian artists address illustration
the benzilians with greater freedom. They value the story more and the fact that the way in which
the appearance is less important than the story that a comic book tells, but that does not
means that Franco-Belgian bands are not visually appealing. The line from
French-Belgian comic design is more vibrant in contrast to the very accurate one that
we find in American comic books. One of the first styles that were invented in France was
fost "clear line", which is characterized by the total absence of shadows and black, a line
uninterrupted and realistic proportionality. This style is considered a 'slowed down' style due to
the fact that there are no dynamic lines, of escape. Another Franco-Belgian style is the realist one, which tries to
to appear very convincing and natural, but at the same time to maintain that awareness of the fact that
it is a drawing. It should also be mentioned that the style is comic-dynamic with a varied line thickness and some
very lively drawings. The most famous comic book festival is the one in Angoulême.
France began in 1974.

4. English comic books

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The first English comics were the same size as American ones, but without the format.
glossy (glossy paper) for the cover. Even if the first comic book published in
Great Britain was (1884) aimed at adult readers, the companies quickly changed their target.
for the younger audience, and that is why a mistaken opinion has been formed that it is a youthful thing.

5. Japanese comic books - Manga

Manga is the Japanese term for comics. Outside Japan, it usually refers strictly
the Japanese comic strips. Popular mangas are transformed into anime (animation in
Japanese). Manga is created from a mixture of Japanese ukiyo-e art and foreign styles of
it was designed, and took on its present form shortly after the Second World War. It consists of
mainly in black-and-white, except for the covers and sometimes the first few pages; in some
cases, it is fully colored. The term 'manga' means 'random images'. The first comics
Japanese drawings appeared in the early 18th century and had very few words.
found for readers uninitiated in literature. But in 1775 Koikawa Harumachi published what would
It could be the first comic strip more complex with a literary thread and more culturally sophisticated. The style
Japanese drawing is very expressive, in the sense that they exaggerate the way in which they
express the actions. And the characters are drawn in the 'moe' style with big eyes and a nose and
small girl. Dr. Osamu Tezuka created a unique style in which a character does not illustrate a
a realistic representation, but one based more on the idea behind the character. Manga is
more commercially sold than any other comics due to the way and format in which
these published comics are sold all over the globe. Another important factor in
The commercialization of manga comics has been that it is a highly valued factor in culture.
Japanese and is much more valued than anywhere else. Most comic strips
manga are published on cheap paper and in black and white, with a four-color cover, and the first
pages being pre-colored. The manga style has influenced comic books at the level
globally, an artistic movement of manga comic strips was practically created. Manga comic strips
they are read from right to left, unlike the traditional American/European way of reading
from right to left. This has created various controversies due to the fact that some publishers
to facilitate this issue for readers they have turned the pages and that is why the majority
the characters seem to be left-handed and certain things appear asymmetrical. One of the most well-known
the comic book "Blade of the Immortal" did not undergo this process due to the fact that
the main character carries a foal (Buddhist swastika) on his back, and the turning of the pages would be
it showed that the character wears the Nazi emblem.

6. The Graphic Novel

The term graphic novel was first used by Richard Kyle in 1964, primarily to
different European works translated by those with a more youthful theme as they were found in the States
Unite. The term was popularized by Will Eisner when it was used on the cover of an edition of "The
Contract with God" in 1978. Having a more mature theme than the rest, it was a kind of book that
because no one expected it from this environment. Another supporter of this term was Warren Ellis. A
A graphic novel is a longer comic strip with a story and a more complex plot.
similar to some novels, aimed at a more mature audience. It can also be characterized as
from a collection of several comic strips compiled into a single book. Usually
graphic novels are found in a more durable format than other comic books,
are usually printed on better quality paper and typically have a hard cover. Basically, novels
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graphics do not have that specific seriality of comics, in the sense that the graphic novel has a
introduction, a content and an ending. A few examples of graphic novels would be 'He done her'
wrong” by Milt Gross and a wordless book published in hardcover under the title “A Week
"De Bonte", a novella composed of collages of sequential images created by the surrealist painter
Max Ernst. In Europe, the tradition of collecting well-known comics such as 'The Adventures of Tintin' and
Asterix is allowed to build a system that publishes works as long narratives, but pre-
published as series. In the 70s, this allowed artists to support their sales themselves.
In 1969, John Updike came up with the idea of supporting this medium of expression, advocating
that any talented artist could create a masterpiece in terms of the graphic novel. In Europe
Comic creators have also experimented with longer format comics. Raymond
Briggs produced works such as 'Father Christmas' and 'The Snowman', which he himself describes as
"an endless abyss of comic strips". Although most of his works have been published as
graphic novels, he mentioning that he doesn't really like this term. In 1975 it appeared in several
covers of several comic book works. The term was popularized after Will Eisner
he used it on the cover of his graphic novel 'A Contract with God, and Other Tenement Stories'.
This collection focused on the lives of ordinary people in the real world, with a mature tone.
The term graphic novel has been used to distinguish it from other comic strips.
considerate in that area and juvenile period. The commercial success of 'A Contract With God' has
help in establishing the term graphic novel in the market. The American company DC Comics began and
they are to publish comics in book format. Two of these collections have managed to catch on.
the attention of the public and alongside the story of 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman helped to establish
the term and concept of graphic novel on the market. These were 'Batman: The Dark Knight'
"Returns" is a collection produced by Frank Miller, which placed a more serious and mature emphasis.
on the superhero and "Watchmen" a collection produced by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Another
A story worth mentioning is 'V for Vendetta' with a story written by Alan Moore and illustrated
by David Lloyd. These four works were heavily criticized by the press and established the fact that
comic books are not just for kids. Most comic book creators are not from
an agreement with this term due to the fact that they consider it a commercial term, used for
to raise the price of certain books that do not deserve it.

Webcomic - online drawn comics

Webcomics, also known as online comics or internet comics, are
comic strips that can only be read online. Many of them are published exclusively online,
and others are published, but I maintain an online archive for commercial or artistic interests. With
With the popularization of internet access, webcomics have come to have different styles from comics.
draw up to graphic novels. Webcomics have the advantage that they are similar to strips
independent printed designs, almost anyone can create a website to publish
webcomics. Currently, there are over 18,000 webcomics online, but very few of them have
commercial success. However, there are some differences between webcomics and traditional printed ones. With
Webcomics have formal restrictions of the page in the sense that they can be used to different advantages.
capabilities of the web. Scott McCloud is among the first to come up with the idea of a canvas.
infinite, unlike the printed page, which is limited, artists can place their frames
in any way and in any direction, just as demian5 created "When I Am King". Other artists like Mark
Fiore, with the help of the Flash program, experimented in combining animation with interactivity. But
despite these efforts many webcomics have the traditional format, being posted online under
traditional black and white form, or digitally colored. This way of posting a comic daily to him
allows the artist to quickly attract an audience. There are also other webcomics that focus on storytelling.
and not for amusement. Several independent comic strips have stopped being published in this way
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traditional, periodically posting on the internet strips to reach a wider audience. Some
webcomics are published online without the use of traditional drawing methods. They use
character copied from games, stock images or imported from specialized websites or
photographs. The artistic expression of these ready-made webcomics is the text. The webcomics that
are published independently, do not have certain restrictions and enjoy freedom of expression
extreme. Some webcomics push the boundaries of taste, taking advantage of the almost nonexistent lack of
censorship on the internet, a factor that highlights freedom of expression. But even so, some issues
there can be, a good example would be the artist Farnon Tristan who had legal issues after he
create a homo-erotic parody or many other examples. The webcomics that gather an archive more
usually publishes comics in books. But those who do not meet a certain standard
I find it very difficult to categorize bands in books.

8. Comic Book in Romania

Comic books in Romania are developed, although largely within small circles, this
not being as appreciated as in the USA, France, Belgium or Japan.

9. Methods of illustration
The style in which graphic novellas are illustrated cannot be categorized in a specific way due to
the fact that each artist has their own style. The only difference is the way they work. In this
as for graphic novels, one can go from a strict graphic illustration to a specific medium
(such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.) or different combinations (collages, digital collages, manipulations of
digital photography, etc.) or some even entirely from photos that were manipulated afterward. Usually
to illustrate the cover of a graphic novel or a comic book, a ...
professional illustrator who mainly deals with such things, and the illustration part of
the interior is made by another artist. In general, in graphic novels, unlike the way in which
it illustrates traditional American comic strips, in the sense that unlike the more
systematized that is approached by them (an artist who sketches in pencil, another artist who puts
the black accents with ink, a third artist who colors the image and the last one who deals with
text and the calligraphic part), in graphic novellas there are generally only two artists, the one who takes care of
on the illustrative side and the one who deals with writing, or even one alone. In Europe, usually in
a comic book an artist and a writer collaborate to create a comic strip more
elaborated, in the sense that both of them agree on the arrangement of the frames and the narration of the story.
This system is however approached in other places as well, and many comics have been created in this way.
As a comic book artist, you need to have a very well-developed visual memory due to
the fact that when you draw, you will not have each object as a model in front of you to be able to draw it
exact and you will draw it from memory. That is why many artists draw inspiration from photographs.
certain things and objects that they do not remember, even certain comic book artists
whole archives of photographs they draw inspiration from and use to draw certain
more complicated things that are not easy to remember.
Artistic styles are generally categorized into two: -The realistic style known also as
the adventure style due to the fact that it was developed for adventure comics in the years
30, needing a more mature and realistic style based on anatomical proportions
and realistic forms, this style being the basis of superhero comics. -The animated style is the one
which uses comic effects and variation in the line to convey expressiveness. The characters can have a
simplified rounded anatomy, or one exaggerated, disproportionate to highlight different
character stereotypes. This style has several sub-branches and a very large diversity. Once
With the increase in computer processing power, there are now a very large number of bands.
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designs made entirely on the computer. The art is either illustrated or only on the computer or through
the combination of some digital graphic elements and some traditional ones. Dave McKean is the first
the artist has combined traditional and digital composition methods. Dave McKean is the first
the artist who used digital media combined with real drawing. Don Chambers created 'Mannequins'
on his Macintosh computer in 1996, being the first digital comic. Although it is important to
the difference between traditionally drawn retouched with a graphic tablet and the one fully rendered on
calculator with special programs. Computers are mostly used to add text
and to color the drawings.

Comic book artists

Hugo Pratt (June 15, 1927 - August 20, 1995) was an Italian comic book artist, who
combines a strong sense of narrative with extensive research based on Corto Maltese in one of
his series. He was inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2005.
Will Eisner (March 6, 1917 - January 3, 2005) was one of the most well-known writers.
Americans and a very good artist. He is considered the most important person who has
contributed to the spread of comic strips and is known for the studio he created,
for his comic book series "The Spirit", for the training method regarding
comic strips, for its very important role in establishing graphic novels as a form of
literature, and for his educational works regarding comic books through the book
"Comics and Sequential Art." In 1988, the comic book community honored its importance.
in the creation of the Will Eisner Awards, to recognize the annual success of those who work under
this medium of expression. Eisner attended each ceremony to congratulate each
participant.
Stan Lee is an American comic book writer and editor, born to Romanian Jewish parents. He
contributed to the introduction of complex and realistic characters in a divided universe
different comic strips with superheroes. He helped create some like Spider-Man, Fantastic Four,
X-Men, Hulk, Daredevil and many others.
Herge - George Prosper Remi (May 22, 1907 - March 3, 1983) was a Belgian writer and artist.
of comic books. Among his most famous works are 'The Adventures of Tintin',
which he wrote and illustrated from 1929 until 1983 when he died, leaving behind twenty-four
of adventures alongside Tintin. His works had a strong influence on comic strips
especially in Europe. It was inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2003. What is notable about
The stories with Tintin have a quality that includes a humanism and a sense of the real.
produced through meticulous and very extensive research, aided by Herge's particular style of
"clear line". Mature readers relax by noticing the light satirical evocations in the reading of some
historical and political events. Currently, a film adapted from Tintin's stories is being worked on.
Peyo - Pierre Culliford (June 25, 1928 - December 24, 1992) was a comic strip creator
Belgian cartoonist, best known for his original characters "The Smurfs".
Alan Moore is an English writer known for the influences he has had on comics.
drawn and for his graphic novellas including: 'Watchmen', 'V for Vendetta' and 'From
Hell.
Jamie Helwetteste is an old English comic book artist and designer. He is known for
the comic band 'Tank Girl' and for illustrating the characters of the band Gorillaz.
Franklin Christenson Ware is an American comic book artist, known for the series
It is from 'Acme Novelty Library' and its graphic novel 'Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on'
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Earth. Its art is eclectic in its influences, illustrating the belonging of style and aesthetics.
Americans from the beginning of the 20th century. Its transition through dozens of styles leads to a uniqueness.
remarkable. Even though its precise manner and geometric arrangement appear to be computer-generated,
However, despite this, it uses only traditional tools (paper, pencil, rulers).
the photocopying and transparencies, and the colors are arranged with the help of a computer.
Sam Kieth is an American illustrator, comic book writer, and film director best known
known for his creation 'The Maxx' and assisting with the story 'The Sandman'.
Geof 'Geofrey' Darrow is an American comic book artist and designer. His style
distinct and highly detailed, combining elements of Japanese culture along with the style of
A 1950s illustration is very meticulous in its expression. In 1990, he collaborated with
Frank Miller created a very violent retro-science fiction story called "Hard Boiled."
based on a story by Philip K. Dick in which the protagonist starts as a normal person and
later he becomes unsure of his own identity. Another work with Frank Miller was 'Big Guy.
and Rusty the Boy Robot” produced in 1996, which had a more family-oriented message and featured two
protagonists fighting a gigantic lizard in Tokyo. It was animated by Sony in 1999.
David Tench McKean is an illustrator, photographer, comic book artist, graphic designer,
director and musician. His works combine drawing, painting, photography, collage, found objects,
digital art and sculpture. The most famous is his collaboration with Neil Gaiman through which they
produces different stories (including Sandman, Hellblazer, and many others).
Ashley Wood is an Australian comic book artist and illustrator known for his art.
atmospheric. Wood generally works in mixed techniques, combining oil painting with processing
digital. His style contains elements of expressionism. Before working for Marvel and DC he
he is better known for his contribution to the titles 'Spawn'. He is now working on various
projects with IDW. He is the creator of the first animated digital comic on portable console
Sony PSP. Its unique style created many imitators. In 2006, it was officially invited by the Society of
American illustrators. Its original comic book title is Pobot, which shows the adventures of a
a robot and a singing cat.
Frank Miller is an American director, artist, and comic book writer, best known for
for its film-noir approach to comic book stories. It is one of the most
known comic creators of his generation. His style is simplistic, colorless,
using only black and white he renders strong contrasts, and uses this to create a
a special and specific atmosphere of its bands and stories.
Lewis Trondheim (real name Laurent Chabosy) is a French comic book author.
extremely prolific. Many of his comics have been adapted into animations. The most well-known
his band is “Donjon,” an ambitious series created with the help of Joann Sfar, in which the pretenders
I travel through different periods of the Middle Ages.
David Charles Cooper is a Canadian artist who, in addition to illustration and graphic design, also works on
with animation. Its style is very animated but very dark at the same time.
Mike Mignola is an American comic book artist and a remarkable writer. His character
the main character is Hellboy, which places him in various mythological stories from folklore, adding
ghosts, monsters, and paranormal events. He mentioned that the character's personality is
based on his father. Mignola is known for his unique drawing style, being classified as
Alan Moore is "a combination of German expressionism and Jack Kirby's Marvel style."
Mignola was viewed strangely at the beginning of his career because of the way he drew characters,
focusing on large surfaces and strong contrasts between black and white rather than on shapes
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proportioned or too many details, this being highlighted in the way they draw
the buildings.