Although Michael Cavna rants that graphic novels should be accepted as books in schools, frankly, the graphic novel can transcend the book because of the addition of another artistic component, the graphic element, which can allow the graphic novel to go one step further than the limitations of the written word. Consider how George Orwell's Animal Farm used anthropomorphic characters to tell a blatantly political parable in Animal Farm. Then consider how Art Spiegelman uses that same device in his graphic novel Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History. Just as Animal Farm won critical acclaim in its time, so has Maus with a Pulitzer Award. Will 'Maus' be studied as a classic in years to come as Animal Farm is now?
Even if they are not recognised as literary giants, many are already pop culture icons. Look at a list of the top fifty graphic novels and count how many have been made into films, in fact many authors specifically create their graphic novels as a treatment for a TV or movie deal. In fan production circles, graphic novels have been seen as adding value to other productions since the ill-fated Star Trek: Phase II The Illustrated Adventures. Star Trek; Starfinder is the latest, backing up their audio drama and prose series with a three issue graphic novel arc which is to be followed up by another in the new year.
One of the mainstays of TrekUnited Publishing has been Madison Bruffy's graphic novel series Nova Trek which features another Kirk as the captain of another Enterprise in a universe subtly different from the one you are used to watching on TV and movies...
An omnibus edition of the first two issues of Nova Trek: A TOS Series set in a parallel universe. In this universe, the Federal Starship Enterprise is commanded by Janet Kirk- James' older sister. Being the first woman to command a starship, Jan not only has to deal with Renagade Andorians, but a madman's alteration of the timeline as well! From Starship battles to the Guardian of Forever and beyond, the Omnibus is an introduction to a universe one step away from the one you knew. Contains issue 1, "Gains & Losses”, issue 2, “Guardian's Child” and bonus material. 165 p. US Letter
Following the events in "A Tale of Two Captains", Commander Kang finds himself in a position to complete the alliance with the Union that Chancellor Gorkon wants. But Klingon Ambassador Kochon is dead set against it.
Kang has fought and won many battles in his years of service to the Empire. Can he survive this one long enough to complete his mission- or will his own people be the death of him? 74p 'A' Mass Market Paperback format
Madison Bruffy continues his Star Trek fan fiction graphic novel series
with NovaTrek 8, Special Report. In eight stories covering a sixteen
month period following the events in "A Tale of Two Captains", the
Enterprise has returned to Earth and a hero's welcome. With the ship
undergoing repairs, Jan and company must deal with issues and conflicts
both personal and public while they await the ship's relaunch. 132p US Letter graphic novel
Tam's first
mission aboard the Georgetown could be her last as the crew discovers a world
where the natives are frozen in time. Can the crew free them or will they become
trapped themselves? This story takes place during the events of Nova
Trek: Special Report. 90p 'A' Mass Market Paperback format
M.D. Bruffy returns with the ninth graphic novel in his epic series,
Nova Trek. For Twenty-two years, the fate of the FSS Sundown and her
crew has been a mystery. Now, two years into the Second Romulan War,
solving that mystery is only part of the story...186p US Letter graphic novel
For more artwork by Madison, browse his deviantART gallery.
No comments :
Post a Comment