Dive into the vibrant world of creative comics, where imagination and innovation collide to push the boundaries of storytelling. These comics transcend traditional conventions, captivating readers with their unique narratives, artistic styles, and thought-provoking themes.
From the experimental and avant-garde to the socially conscious and autobiographical, creative comics offer a diverse range of experiences that challenge our perceptions and expand our understanding of the medium.
Concept Exploration
Creative comics defy traditional storytelling norms, pushing the boundaries of the medium through imagination and innovation. They explore unique narrative techniques, artistic styles, and technological advancements.
Examples include Watchmen(deconstructing superhero tropes), Maus(Holocaust memoir using animal characters), and Fun Home(graphic memoir blending humor and trauma).
Narrative Techniques
- Nonlinear storytelling (e.g., The Dark Knight Returns)
- Multiple perspectives (e.g., Persepolis)
- Meta-narratives (e.g., Sandman)
Artistic Styles
- Experimental layouts (e.g., Asterios Polyp)
- Abstract and surreal imagery (e.g., The Invisibles)
- Minimalist and symbolic art (e.g., Habibi)
Technology and Evolution
Technology has transformed comic storytelling, from digital drawing tools to interactive webcomics and virtual reality experiences.
Social Commentary and Cultural Critique
Comics offer a powerful medium for social commentary and cultural critique, exploring issues such as race, gender, politics, and the human condition (e.g., March, Nimona).
Storytelling Techniques
Creative comics embrace unconventional storytelling methods to captivate readers and challenge the boundaries of the medium. These techniques range from nonlinear narratives to unreliable narrators and experimental formats, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages.
Nonlinear Narrative
Nonlinear narratives disrupt the traditional chronological order of events, creating a sense of mystery and suspense. By weaving together different timelines and perspectives, these comics allow readers to piece together the story like a puzzle. Notable examples include Watchmenand Maus, which employ flashbacks and fragmented storytelling to reveal the complex pasts of their characters.
Advantages:
- Creates intrigue and suspense
- Allows for multiple perspectives
- Encourages reader engagement
Disadvantages:
- Can be confusing for readers
- Requires careful planning and execution
- May disrupt the flow of the story
Unreliable Narrator
An unreliable narrator presents the story from a biased or flawed perspective, adding depth and complexity to the characters. This technique challenges the reader’s trust and forces them to question the reliability of the information presented. The Great Gatsbyby F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic example of an unreliable narrator, where Nick Carraway’s limited knowledge and personal biases shape the reader’s understanding of the events.
Advantages:
- Creates a more complex and nuanced story
- Challenges the reader’s assumptions
- Encourages critical thinking
Disadvantages:
- Can be difficult to maintain consistency
- May alienate readers who prefer a clear and reliable narrative
- Can make it difficult to determine the truth
Experimental Format
Experimental formats push the boundaries of the comic book medium, offering a unique and immersive experience. These comics often break away from traditional panel layouts and incorporate innovative visual and narrative techniques. Fun Homeby Alison Bechdel uses a combination of memoir, graphic novel, and theater to explore themes of gender and sexuality.
Advantages:
- Creates a visually stunning and engaging experience
- Expands the possibilities of storytelling
- Can enhance the emotional impact of the story
Disadvantages:
- Can be inaccessible to some readers
- May distract from the story
- Can be challenging to create
Visual Style and Impact
Creative comics often feature unique visual aesthetics that set them apart from traditional comics. These visual elements can range from innovative panel layouts and unconventional art styles to experimental color schemes.Visual elements play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and emotional impact of a comic.
They can create a sense of atmosphere, convey emotions, and guide the reader’s eye through the story.
Panel Layouts
Panel layouts are a key element of visual storytelling in comics. Creative comics often break away from traditional grid-based layouts, experimenting with irregular panel shapes, overlapping panels, and even using negative space to create visual interest.Examples:
- In “Saga,” Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples use unconventional panel layouts to create a dynamic and immersive reading experience.
- In “The Sandman,” Neil Gaiman and various artists employ imaginative panel layouts to enhance the dreamlike and surreal atmosphere of the story.
Art Styles
The art style of a comic can have a significant impact on its tone and atmosphere. Creative comics often embrace unconventional or experimental art styles to convey a unique vision or evoke a particular emotion.Examples:
- In “My Friend Dahmer,” Derf Backderf’s realistic and haunting art style captures the chilling nature of the story.
- In “Persepolis,” Marjane Satrapi’s simple yet expressive black-and-white art style conveys the complexities of her childhood in Iran.
Color Schemes
Color schemes can create a powerful visual impact and influence the reader’s mood. Creative comics often experiment with unconventional color combinations, limited palettes, or even black-and-white to achieve specific aesthetic effects.Examples:
- In “Watchmen,” Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ use of a limited color palette creates a sense of retro nostalgia and moral ambiguity.
- In “Nimona,” Noelle Stevenson’s vibrant and colorful art style brings a sense of whimsy and excitement to the story.
Character Development and Relationships
In creative comics, character development and relationships are often explored in unconventional ways that challenge traditional storytelling conventions. Comics artists use a variety of techniques to create complex and dynamic characters, including:
Ambiguous Motivations
Many creative comics explore the complexities of human nature by giving characters ambiguous or contradictory motivations. This can make it difficult for readers to understand or empathize with the characters at first, but it can also lead to a deeper understanding of the human condition.For example, in the graphic novel “Maus,” Art Spiegelman portrays his father as a complex and flawed character.
Spiegelman’s father is a Holocaust survivor who is haunted by his experiences, but he is also a difficult and demanding person. Through Spiegelman’s nuanced portrayal, readers come to understand the complexities of his father’s character and the impact of the Holocaust on his life.
Unconventional Relationships
Creative comics often explore unconventional relationships that challenge traditional notions of family, friendship, and love. These relationships can be complex, messy, and even harmful, but they can also be deeply moving and transformative.For example, in the webcomic “Nimona,” Noelle Stevenson creates a complex and nuanced relationship between Nimona, a shapeshifting villain, and Ballister Blackheart, a villainous knight.
Nimona is initially drawn to Ballister’s power and charisma, but she eventually comes to realize that he is not who she thought he was. Through their relationship, Nimona learns about the complexities of good and evil, and she ultimately makes a choice that surprises both herself and Ballister.
Complex Character Dynamics
Creative comics often explore complex character dynamics that challenge traditional power structures. These dynamics can be based on gender, race, class, or other factors, and they can create tension and conflict between characters.For example, in the graphic novel “Fun Home,” Alison Bechdel explores the complex relationship between her father and herself.
Bechdel’s father is a closeted homosexual who is struggling to come to terms with his identity. Bechdel’s relationship with her father is strained by his homophobia and her own coming to terms with her own sexuality. Through Bechdel’s nuanced portrayal, readers come to understand the complexities of their relationship and the impact of homophobia on both of their lives.The unconventional approaches to character development and relationships in creative comics can have a profound impact on the reader’s understanding and empathy towards the characters.
By challenging traditional storytelling conventions, comics artists can create characters that are more complex, relatable, and ultimately more human.
Genre Exploration and Bending
In the realm of comics, genre conventions often serve as building blocks for storytelling. However, creative comics push the boundaries by exploring and bending these genres, resulting in innovative and thought-provoking works.
This experimentation manifests in various ways. Comics may combine elements from different genres, creating hybrid genres that challenge traditional classifications. For instance, “The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman seamlessly blends fantasy, horror, and mythology, transcending the confines of a single genre.
Subverting Genre Conventions
Other comics subvert genre conventions, offering fresh perspectives and challenging reader expectations. “Watchmen” by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons deconstructs the superhero genre, exploring the moral complexities and consequences of vigilante justice.
Genre experimentation expands the possibilities of comic storytelling, allowing creators to explore diverse themes, characters, and narratives. By bending and blending genres, comics break free from formulaic constraints and embrace boundless creativity.
Meta-Narrative and Reflexivity
Meta-narrative and reflexivity are narrative techniques used in comics to comment on the form and content of the medium itself, often breaking the fourth wall and directly addressing the reader. These techniques can enhance the reader’s awareness and engagement with the comic’s themes and subtexts.
Types of Meta-Narrative and Reflexivity
- Breaking the Fourth Wall:Characters directly address the reader, acknowledging the existence of the comic or the reader’s presence.
- Self-Referential Commentary:The comic comments on its own narrative, art style, or conventions.
- Exploration of Author-Reader Relationship:The comic examines the relationship between the author, the work, and the reader.
Impact on the Reader
Meta-narrative and reflexivity can enhance the reader’s understanding of the comic’s themes and subtexts by:
- Drawing attention to the constructed nature of the narrative.
- Encouraging critical reflection on the medium and its conventions.
- Creating a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the work.
Risks and Limitations
While meta-narrative and reflexivity can be effective techniques, they also pose some risks:
- Overuse:Excessive use can become distracting and undermine the narrative flow.
- Confusion:If not executed clearly, it can confuse or alienate readers.
- Limited Appeal:Some readers may not appreciate or understand the use of these techniques.
Examples of Meta-Narrative and Reflexivity
- Grant Morrison’s Animal Manbreaks the fourth wall and explores the relationship between the reader and the character.
- Alan Moore’s Watchmencomments on the conventions of superhero comics and the nature of storytelling.
- Neil Gaiman’s Sandmanexamines the relationship between dreams, stories, and the human psyche.
Essay: Meta-Narrative and Reflexivity in “The Invisibles”
In Grant Morrison’s “The Invisibles,” meta-narrative and reflexivity are central to the exploration of identity, reality, and the nature of the comic medium itself. The comic constantly breaks the fourth wall, commenting on its own structure and the reader’s role in the narrative.
This reflexivity enhances the reader’s understanding of the themes of self-discovery and the malleability of reality. However, it also risks alienating readers who are not accustomed to or appreciate such techniques.
Digital and Interactive Comics
Digital technology has revolutionized the comic book industry, opening up new possibilities for storytelling and audience engagement. Digital comics can incorporate multimedia elements, such as sound, animation, and video, to create immersive and interactive experiences.
Interactive Storytelling
Interactive comics allow readers to participate in the storytelling process by making choices that affect the narrative. This can be done through branching storylines, where the reader’s choices determine the path the story takes, or through interactive elements that let readers manipulate the environment or characters.
Web-based Platforms
Web-based platforms have made it easier than ever for creators to publish and distribute their comics online. These platforms offer a global reach and allow creators to connect directly with their audience. Some popular web-based comic platforms include Webtoon, Tapas, and ComicFury.
Expanding Boundaries
Digital technology has expanded the boundaries of comic storytelling in several ways:
- Multimedia Integration:Digital comics can incorporate multimedia elements to enhance the storytelling experience and create more immersive worlds.
- Interactive Engagement:Interactive storytelling techniques allow readers to participate in the narrative and make choices that influence the outcome.
- Web-based Accessibility:Online platforms provide a global reach for creators and make it easier for readers to access and discover new comics.
- Community Building:Digital platforms foster a sense of community among creators and readers, allowing them to connect and share their work.
Examples
Notable examples of digital and interactive comics include:
- “The Walking Dead: The Game”(Telltale Games): A graphic adventure game that features branching storylines and player choices that impact the narrative.
- “Saga”(Image Comics): A web-based comic that incorporates multimedia elements, such as sound and animation, to create an immersive reading experience.
- “Batman: Arkham Asylum- A Serious House on Serious Earth” (DC Comics): A digital graphic novel that uses interactive elements to allow readers to explore the asylum and interact with characters.
Autobiographical and Personal Comics
Autobiographical comics draw on the artist’s own life experiences, exploring personal narratives, introspective themes, and unconventional approaches to autobiography. These comics provide unique insights into the human condition and the power of storytelling.
Examples of Autobiographical Comics
Persepolisby Marjane Satrapi
A graphic memoir about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
Fun Homeby Alison Bechdel
A graphic novel that explores the author’s relationship with her father and her own coming out as a lesbian.
My Friend Dahmerby Derf Backderf
A graphic novel that tells the story of Jeffrey Dahmer’s high school years, as witnessed by the author.
Stitchesby David Small
A graphic novel that explores the author’s childhood experiences with abuse and mental illness.
Social and Political Commentary
Creative comics have emerged as a potent medium for social and political commentary, allowing artists to explore complex issues and engage in critical dialogue with society. Comics provide a unique platform to convey messages and perspectives that may be challenging or taboo in other forms of media.Through the use of satire, allegory, and symbolism, comics can shed light on societal problems, challenge power structures, and provoke thoughtful discussions.
They can raise awareness about important issues, foster empathy, and inspire social change.
Examples of Comics with Social Commentary
Mausby Art Spiegelman
A Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel that explores the Holocaust through the lens of a Jewish family of mice and a German family of cats.
Persepolisby Marjane Satrapi
A memoir that chronicles the author’s experiences growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
Watchmenby Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
A groundbreaking comic book that deconstructs the superhero genre and examines themes of nuclear war, political corruption, and moral ambiguity.
The Sandmanby Neil Gaiman
A fantasy series that delves into themes of mythology, identity, and the nature of storytelling.
Sagaby Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
A science fiction epic that explores themes of love, family, and the search for a place to belong in a war-torn universe.These comics, among countless others, have made significant contributions to social and political discourse, sparking conversations, challenging perspectives, and inspiring activism.
By harnessing the power of visual storytelling, comics have become a vital tool for social commentary and a catalyst for change.
Educational and Informational Comics
Comics have proven to be a powerful medium for conveying complex information in an engaging and accessible manner. They can simplify scientific concepts, historical events, and educational material, making them more comprehensible and enjoyable for readers of all ages.
Potential of Comics in Education
Comics can enhance learning by:
- Simplifying complex concepts and making them more accessible.
- Sparking curiosity and motivating students to explore topics further.
- Fostering a deeper understanding of various subjects.
Examples of Educational Comics
Numerous comics have been used successfully in educational settings:
- “Understanding Evolution”by Denis Lamoureux: Explains the theory of evolution in a clear and engaging way.
- “March”by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin: A graphic novel trilogy that recounts the life of civil rights leader John Lewis.
- “The Magic Fish”by Trung Le Nguyen: A comic that explores the Vietnamese refugee experience.
Elements of Effective Educational Comics
Effective educational comics utilize various elements to convey information:
- Visuals:Captivating illustrations and graphics simplify concepts and make them more memorable.
- Dialogue:Clear and concise dialogue explains complex ideas in an accessible way.
- Narrative Structure:Well-structured narratives guide readers through the information in a logical and engaging manner.
Role in Promoting Literacy
Comics can also play a significant role in promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading:
- Engaging visuals and storylines encourage reluctant readers.
- Sequential art format improves reading comprehension.
- Exposure to diverse characters and perspectives broadens readers’ horizons.
Use in Specific Subjects
Comics have been effectively used in teaching various subjects:
- Science:Explain scientific concepts, such as the solar system or the human body.
- History:Depict historical events and人物, such as the American Revolution or the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
- Literature:Adapt classic works of literature, such as “The Odyssey” or “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Creating Educational Comics
To create effective educational comics, consider the following tips:
- Visual Storytelling:Use clear and engaging visuals to convey information.
- Character Development:Create relatable characters that guide readers through the narrative.
- Pacing:Ensure a smooth flow of information and avoid overwhelming readers.
Experimental and Avant-Garde Comics: Creative Comics
Experimental and avant-garde comics challenge traditional comic conventions and push the boundaries of storytelling. They employ unconventional formats, abstract or surreal imagery, and non-linear narratives to provoke new ways of thinking about the medium.
Key Characteristics and Examples
Characteristic | Example |
---|---|
Non-linear storytelling | “Maus” by Art Spiegelman |
Abstract or surreal imagery | “The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman |
Collage and photomontage | “Watchmen” by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons |
Tips for Writing Experimental Comics
- Break away from traditional panel layouts.
- Experiment with different drawing styles and techniques.
- Use unconventional materials or formats.
- Push the boundaries of what is considered “comics.”
- Collaborate with other artists or writers.
Cross-Media Adaptations
Adapting creative comics into other media, such as film, television, or video games, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The process involves translating the visual and narrative elements of the comic into a different medium, while preserving the essence and impact of the original work.
Successful Adaptations
Some successful cross-media adaptations of comics include:
The Dark Knight (2008)
This film adaptation of the Batman comic book series was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, capturing the dark and gritty tone of the original comics.
Watchmen (2009)
This adaptation of the iconic graphic novel was praised for its faithfulness to the source material and its exploration of complex themes.
The Walking Dead (2010-present)
This television series based on the comic book series of the same name has become a global phenomenon, capturing the post-apocalyptic world and compelling characters of the comics.
Unsuccessful Adaptations
Not all cross-media adaptations of comics are successful. Some notable examples of unsuccessful adaptations include:
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
This film adaptation of the comic book series was criticized for its convoluted plot and unfaithful adaptation of the source material.
Jonah Hex (2010)
This film adaptation of the Western comic book character was a critical and commercial failure, due to its poor storytelling and uninspired action sequences.
Green Lantern (2011)
This film adaptation of the DC Comics character was met with negative reviews, criticized for its weak script and lackluster special effects.
Factors Contributing to Success or Failure
Several factors contribute to the success or failure of cross-media adaptations of comics:
Faithfulness to the Source Material
Adaptations that closely adhere to the original comic book’s story, characters, and tone tend to be more successful.
Strong Storytelling
A compelling story is essential for any successful adaptation, regardless of the medium.
Appropriate Medium
The choice of medium for the adaptation is crucial. Some stories may be better suited for film, while others may be more appropriate for television or video games.
Talented Creative Team
A talented team of writers, directors, actors, and artists is essential for bringing the adaptation to life.
Unique Challenges
Translating comics into different mediums presents unique challenges:
Visual Medium
Comics are a visual medium, and translating their visual elements into other media can be difficult.
Narrative Structure
Comics often have a unique narrative structure, with multiple panels and non-linear storytelling. Adapting this structure into a linear medium can be challenging.
Audience Expectations
Fans of the original comic book may have high expectations for the adaptation, which can be difficult to meet.Despite these challenges, cross-media adaptations of comics can be successful when the creative team carefully considers the factors discussed above. By embracing the unique challenges and opportunities of each medium, adaptations can bring the beloved stories and characters of comics to a wider audience.
Independent and Small Press Comics
Independent and small press comics play a vital role in fostering creativity and innovation in the comics medium. Unlike mainstream publishers, independent creators have greater creative freedom and are not subject to the same commercial pressures. This allows them to explore new ideas, experiment with different storytelling techniques, and tackle challenging and controversial topics.
Examples of Successful Independent Comics
Some of the most successful and influential independent comics include:
Mausby Art Spiegelman
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A groundbreaking graphic novel that tells the story of the Holocaust through the experiences of Spiegelman’s father, a Polish Jew.
Persepolisby Marjane Satrapi
A memoir of Satrapi’s childhood and adolescence in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
The Walking Deadby Robert Kirkman
A post-apocalyptic horror series that has become one of the best-selling comics of all time.
Challenges and Opportunities
Independent comic creators face a number of challenges, including:
Funding and distribution
Independent comics often have difficulty securing funding and getting their work distributed to a wide audience.
Creative freedom and censorship
Independent creators may face pressure from publishers or distributors to conform to certain standards or avoid controversial topics.
Building an audience
Independent creators must work hard to build an audience for their work, as they do not have the same marketing and promotional resources as mainstream publishers.Despite these challenges, independent comic creators have a number of opportunities to succeed. The rise of digital comics and self-publishing has made it easier for creators to produce and distribute their work.
Additionally, there is a growing audience for independent comics, who appreciate the diversity and creativity of these works.
Impact on the Comics Medium, Creative comics
Independent comic creators have had a significant impact on the diversity and innovation of comics. They have helped to break down traditional genre boundaries, explore new storytelling techniques, and tackle important social and political issues. Independent comics have also helped to create a more diverse and inclusive comics industry.
Critical Reception and Analysis
Critical reception and analysis play a crucial role in understanding and appreciating creative comics. These analyses explore the unique qualities, significance, and impact of the medium.
Examples of Critical Analysis
* Critical essays: In-depth examinations of specific comics or the work of particular creators, analyzing themes, narrative techniques, and visual style.
Reviews
Evaluations of new releases, providing critical insights and recommendations for readers.
Academic studies
Scholarly research exploring the historical, cultural, and theoretical aspects of creative comics.
Perspectives and Approaches
Critical analysis employs various perspectives and approaches, including:* Formalist: Focuses on the intrinsic qualities of the comic as an art form, analyzing its structure, composition, and visual elements.
Cultural
Examines the comic’s relationship to its social and historical context, exploring its reflection of cultural norms and values.
Interdisciplinary
Draws on insights from other fields such as literature, film, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the comic.
Evolution of Critical Approaches
Over time, critical approaches to creative comics have evolved, reflecting changing perspectives on the medium:* Early approaches: Viewed comics as a lesser art form, focusing on their entertainment value.
Mid-20th century
Recognized comics as a legitimate art form, leading to more serious critical analysis.
Contemporary approaches
Emphasize the diversity and complexity of comics, exploring their potential for storytelling, social commentary, and artistic expression.
Cultural Context and Social Factors
The critical reception of creative comics is influenced by cultural context and social factors:* Cultural values: Comics are shaped by and reflect the cultural norms and beliefs of their time and place.
Social movements
Comics have played a role in social movements, reflecting and influencing societal changes.
Censorship
Critical analysis often addresses issues of censorship and the impact of societal constraints on comics.
Critical Debates and Controversies
Creative comics have sparked critical debates and controversies, including:* Artistic merit: Questions about whether comics can be considered high art or are merely entertainment.
Social responsibility
Concerns about the potential impact of comics on young readers and society as a whole.
Representation
Debates over the diversity and representation of characters and perspectives in comics.
Main Findings and Insights
Critical analysis of creative comics has yielded valuable insights, including:* Comics are a versatile medium capable of diverse storytelling techniques and artistic expression.
- Comics reflect and shape cultural values and social issues.
- Critical analysis helps us understand the unique qualities and significance of creative comics.
Emerging Trends and Future of Creative Comics
The realm of creative comics is undergoing a vibrant transformation, fueled by technological advancements and innovative storytelling techniques. Digital tools, interactive formats, and transmedia storytelling are reshaping the boundaries of the medium, offering unprecedented possibilities for expression and engagement.
Digital Tools
Digital tools have democratized comic creation, making it more accessible to a wider range of artists. Software like Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, and Manga Studio empower creators with sophisticated drawing and coloring capabilities, allowing them to experiment with diverse styles and effects.
Interactive Formats
Interactive comics leverage digital platforms to engage readers in dynamic ways. Motion comics, where panels come to life with animation and sound effects, enhance immersion and bring stories to life in a new dimension. Webcomics like “Tapas” and “Webtoon” allow readers to scroll through episodes vertically, providing a seamless and immersive reading experience.
Transmedia Storytelling
Transmedia storytelling extends comic narratives across multiple platforms, creating interconnected experiences for readers. Comics like “The Wicked + The Divine” by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie seamlessly weave together print issues, digital extras, and live events, offering a holistic and immersive storytelling experience.
Future Directions
The future of creative comics holds exciting possibilities. Webcomics continue to rise in popularity, providing a platform for independent creators to share their work with a global audience. Artificial intelligence is poised to play a transformative role, assisting in coloring, panel layout, and even generating storylines.
Conclusion
The emerging trends in creative comics are pushing the boundaries of storytelling, offering new ways to engage and immerse readers. As technology advances and creative minds continue to innovate, the future of comics looks brighter than ever, with endless possibilities for expression and exploration.
FAQ
What are the key characteristics of creative comics?
Creative comics often break away from traditional storytelling conventions, embrace experimental art styles, explore complex themes, and utilize innovative narrative techniques.
How do creative comics contribute to the medium?
Creative comics push the boundaries of storytelling, challenge readers’ expectations, and provide unique perspectives on the human experience.
What are some examples of influential creative comics?
Notable creative comics include “Maus” by Art Spiegelman, “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi, and “Watchmen” by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.