Comic AnalysisComic AnalysisBatman: Shadow of the BatBatman: Shadow of the Bat

Luke TurnerLuke Turner

AbstractAbstract Batman’s background: Batman, or Bruce Wayne, was born into wealth. At a young Batman’s background: Batman, or Bruce Wayne, was born into wealth. At a young

age he witnessed his parent’s murder, and from that point on wanted to seek age he witnessed his parent’s murder, and from that point on wanted to seek vengeance. When he came of age, he trained to learn martial arts and made a suit so vengeance. When he came of age, he trained to learn martial arts and made a suit so that he could oppose the crime within his city. He is very against killing people and that he could oppose the crime within his city. He is very against killing people and has never stooped down to such a level.has never stooped down to such a level.

One of the largest key elements in comics is angles of the pictures. Different angles One of the largest key elements in comics is angles of the pictures. Different angles capture different ideas within any sort of media. For example, shots looking up on capture different ideas within any sort of media. For example, shots looking up on people usually mean that they have a lot of power, and shots with a lot of depth, such people usually mean that they have a lot of power, and shots with a lot of depth, such as people falling, show distance. The angle of a shot tells a story sometimes even as people falling, show distance. The angle of a shot tells a story sometimes even better than words.better than words.

In this Batman comic angle is essential. Narcosis is working with Mad Hatter as a In this Batman comic angle is essential. Narcosis is working with Mad Hatter as a partner. When they are plotting together the camera shoots down on them so they partner. When they are plotting together the camera shoots down on them so they both look to be the same size (Hatter is about two and a half feet shorter than both look to be the same size (Hatter is about two and a half feet shorter than Narcosis), and when Mad Hatter begins asking questions about their plan, they are Narcosis), and when Mad Hatter begins asking questions about their plan, they are shot straight on, showing Mad Hatter is inferior. shot straight on, showing Mad Hatter is inferior.

At the end of the book when Batman defeats Mad Hatter he is shown At the end of the book when Batman defeats Mad Hatter he is shown looming over him. This shows Batman’s control of the situation. Also, there are plenty looming over him. This shows Batman’s control of the situation. Also, there are plenty of establishing shots that have beautiful angles. One shot is a landscape with a very of establishing shots that have beautiful angles. One shot is a landscape with a very close “Danger” sign. This, without dialogue, establishes the area that the scene will close “Danger” sign. This, without dialogue, establishes the area that the scene will take place, and gives the reader a sign of what is to come.take place, and gives the reader a sign of what is to come.

The Focus`The Focus`The focus on Perspective helps show that The focus on Perspective helps show that

the way a comic is drawn out will help tell the way a comic is drawn out will help tell its story more. Whether it be subtle visuals its story more. Whether it be subtle visuals such as danger signs or the breaking of such as danger signs or the breaking of the fourth wall, how a reader sees what he the fourth wall, how a reader sees what he is viewing will drive the story home.is viewing will drive the story home.

Breaking the Fourth WallBreaking the Fourth Wall

The borders of a comic panel can

Be broken to add exaggeration

And uniqueness to a comic.

The faces taken out of panels in Batman Show a scene taking place whileAlso showing a voiceover of who’s speaking

Choice of WordChoice of WordThe words in a comic are used to explainStory that the pictures cannot do justice.

The flare gun is explained just in casePeople do not understand the picture.

Camera PositionCamera Position

The position of the camera carries great impact on how characters are viewed

Within the comic, Mad Hatter and Narcosis are a few feet apart in Height, but when they team up thereAre camera angles that show themOn an equal playing field.

Differences in CharactersDifferences in CharactersMccloud says that there Are plenty of different body typesAnd not everyone should beDrawn the same way.

Mad Hatter is a midget and NarcosisHas a burnt-up body. They have differentPhysiques.

Choice of ImageChoice of ImageWhat image an artist putsOn his panels will tell a lotOf story details to the reader.

The image of BUTANE on theBarrel helps readers know That it is flammable

Body ConstructionBody ConstructionRemember how a character’s bodyIs constructed, even under clothes.

Narcosis wearsA cloak and veil.It’s important toRemember howHis physique isUnder the clothes.

SymmetrySymmetry

It’s important to keep thingsSymmetrical, especially withpeople

Batman’s face isSymmetrical. EvenA smidge off and hisFace would look funnyAnd his anger couldn’tBe taken seriously.

DetailDetailEvery detail matttersIn comics. Newer comicsUse even more detailsThan the older ones.

There are details from Shadows to wrinklesThat really show theCharacters.

IntensityIntensity

Intensity is important to Rectify the panels and Add a kick to the visuals.

Explosions are a great Example of intensity. Fire, debris and loud Noises make a panelExtremely intense.

ExaggerationExaggeration

Exaggeration showsTrue emotion. NeverDull it down.

Narcosis looksAngry and hasHis arms Outstretched,Showing him Reaching forSomething.

FlowFlow

Comics need to flow.

The easiest way to do

That is to read from

Left to right.

This comic takes each

Moment from left to

right

And is easy to follow

Facial ExpressionsFacial ExpressionsEmotion is everything withinA comic. There are countlessEmotions and they have to Be portrayed just right.

There is no question that BatmanIs angry. His face is tense and hisTeeth are bared.

Body LanguageBody Language

Body language helps show Expressions. There is Much that someone can showThrough action that can’t be Seen in their face, or can be Further explained with their body.

Batman’s anger is furtherExemplified with his loomingOver Mad Hatter and hisMuscles puffed out.

Universal SymbolsUniversal Symbols

Some items or actions are universally know.For example, a thumbs up is a good sign.

Barrels are universally knownTo blow up. Red labels usuallyMean danger.

Worm’s Eye View/Dutch TiltWorm’s Eye View/Dutch TiltWorm’s eye view helpsShow things in a lightThat makes items or peopleSeem larger than they are.

The view of the TruckMakes it seem like it is a Very powerful

Moment to MomentMoment to Moment

Moment to moment meansThat comics flow from Panel to panel and we seeMost every sequence in anAction scene.

In this scene, batman is ripping theHat off of his head. He speaks andRips the hat off and we see every Moment of it.

Choice of FrameChoice of FrameWhat lies within a frame can tell Story details without charactersEven talking. We see this sign Posted that gives us setting Details.

Frames show readers what They need to see. There willBe pictures of items, people,Or simply dialogue boxesThat move the story forward.

ConclusionConclusionAltogether, Batman: Shadow of the Bat is Altogether, Batman: Shadow of the Bat is

a wonderful story driven by its visuals. It a wonderful story driven by its visuals. It makes Batman seem strong and ferocious makes Batman seem strong and ferocious while making Mad Hatter go from in while making Mad Hatter go from in control to frail and hopeless by the time control to frail and hopeless by the time Batman is done with him. Perception is Batman is done with him. Perception is key to creating a great comic.key to creating a great comic.