Comics are a form of sequential art in which a series of images communicate both meaning and emotion through the use of a specific visual vernacular. The images are drawn on paper and arranged sequentially so that when one image points to the following one that it creates a sort of narrative or sequence. The arrangement of images can be done in a variety of ways with different forms and techniques emerging to distinguish them from each other or as a response or reaction. They are not for the most part concerned with realism, although there are exceptions. They are generally created through the use of sequential art techniques, though there has recently been an emphasis on creating them digitally.
- Comics can be used as propaganda.
The ability to communicate complex ideas through the use of sequential art is not unique to comics. However, they are one of the more accessible mediums for reaching a mass audience. Political ideologies, particularly those that would be seen as radical have been known to use comics to spread their messages and engage with their audience in ways that are not easily dismissed or filtered out. Comics have always been used for this purpose and it has often gotten artists into trouble with the law or governments.
- Comics can be used to hide political messages.
It is not only the message or political ideology that can be used in comics to hide messages, but also the medium itself. The very fact that comics are a sequential form of communication and a visual look-a-like for traditional dialogue makes them ideal for hiding messages. For essay writing, an affordable essay writer will be helpful for you.
- Comics can be used to present false narratives.
Political agendas are often heavily influenced by using historical facts in order to present their point of view as something entirely new and more complex than it really is. It is well known that history has been manipulated many times throughout history through the use of politics, misunderstanding, and false representation; this happens frequently with comics as well due to the sequential nature of their creation.
- Political pressures can influence content.
It is not uncommon for the politics of individuals and groups to influence the content or direction of a comic book. The politics of a company and its owners, along with the employees, exert undue pressure on the content of comics for both financial and ideological reasons. This will often lead to situations where comics are created by creators who do not share the same values as their audience or company policy as they are forced to censor themselves due to threats of violence or losing their job.
- Comics can be used to spread propaganda in educational settings.
A more recent use of comics has been to spread propaganda and other forms of misinformation in educational settings. This has happened recently in America, where many school boards are trying to get a variety of politically motivated groups to develop comic books, which will then be distributed through the schools as curriculum material.
Conclusion
The use of comics as a medium for spreading political, ideological, and other forms of information has been quite common in the past, and it is likely to continue in the future. The way that comics are created and distributed makes it very easy to change the message or context of what a comic book creator is trying to present by altering, misplacing, or removing images or adding new ones; this means that they are very easily subject to forms of censorship.
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