Abstract

Motion can be depicted using literal pictorial devices (representing features present in the real world) and metaphorical pictorial devices (representing features that do not occur in the real world). How are literal and metaphorical pictorial devices used in comic book cover art? We analyzed the pictorial devices used to depict the motion running in 400 Silver Age (1956–1971) and Bronze Age (c. 1970–1985) superhero comic book covers (Frankenhoff & Thompson, 2012). Literal devices (such as arm and leg positions) were used additively; that is, artists preferred to use many literal devices. On the other hand, metaphorical devices (such as action lines) were not used additively; artists preferred to use only one metaphorical device. We propose the Literal Additive Metaphorical One-And-Done (LA-MOAD) theory to account for the use of literal and metaphorical devices in comic book cover art. The differential use of literal and metaphorical devices by comic book artists may be unique to comic book cover art, or it may reflect a basic function of our visual system.

Highlights

  • Motion can be depicted using literal pictorial devices and metaphorical pictorial devices

  • In order to analyze how the comic book cover artists used pictorial devices to depict running in the covers studied, the five pictorial devices were organized into two separate categories: literal devices and metaphorical devices

  • The pictorial device combinations preferred by comic book cover artists were: (1) multiple literal devices and (2) multiple literal devices with a single metaphorical device

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Summary

Introduction

Motion can be depicted using literal pictorial devices (representing features present in the real world) and metaphorical pictorial devices (representing features that do not occur in the real world). Quicksilver is depicted as running using the literal pictorial devices of posture, orientation, and ground plane, and the metaphorical device of action lines. This is an example of a comic book artist using multiple literal pictorial devices with a single metaphorical device. For our analysis of how artists depict motion in comic book covers, we examined specific features of a picture, called pictorial devices (Visual Arts: Glossary n.d.). A schematic illustration of the five pictorial devices analyzed in this study and how they can depict running: (A) no devices, (B) orientation, (C) posture, (D) ground plane, (E) action lines, and (F) multiple images. Artists can use combinations of these devices to create effective depictions of running, for example: (G) orientation, posture, ground plane, with action lines, (H) orientation and posture (based on Carello, et al 1986)

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