For this project we were asked to create an eight page experimental comic book in response to our given nursery rhyme. We were allowed to give our own 'spin' on the text allowing us to create a completely new meaning to the nursery rhyme. I decided to create a comic book which would focus on impact of mental health issues; more specifically depression.
Initial Ideas
I want the comic book to be dark and mysterious. I want to present the idea of mental health issues and how they could affect a person on the daily basis.
I have came up with two idea for this project. The first is surrounding a person who puts on a mask each day to face the world and their friends and family while the demon is interrupting their everyday life. The second, focuses on a person who is separating themselves from others allowing the demon to slowly consume them into the negativity.
After I have came up with first initial ideas of what I would like the comic to be about, I have realised I need to try to focus more on what's the best way to send the meaning I want to portray across to the audience and how to make the meaning be as clear as possible. I will also use various media like collaging, ink, alcohol markers, as well as, aqua markers to see which media best showcases the aesthetic and theme I have chosen. This will allow me to decide which idea I think suits the overall aesthetic and theme that I'd like the comic book to have, more.
I have came up with two idea for this project. The first is surrounding a person who puts on a mask each day to face the world and their friends and family while the demon is interrupting their everyday life. The second, focuses on a person who is separating themselves from others allowing the demon to slowly consume them into the negativity.
After I have came up with first initial ideas of what I would like the comic to be about, I have realised I need to try to focus more on what's the best way to send the meaning I want to portray across to the audience and how to make the meaning be as clear as possible. I will also use various media like collaging, ink, alcohol markers, as well as, aqua markers to see which media best showcases the aesthetic and theme I have chosen. This will allow me to decide which idea I think suits the overall aesthetic and theme that I'd like the comic book to have, more.
Character Design
I have decided to showcase the 'main character' as a male because I believe men struggle as everyone else, however, due to the standards of the society they have been forced to keep a persona up of a tough person as showing emotions and not being okay is not "manly". I want the character to look burnt out and indifferent to things that surround him.
I want the villain of the comic book, the demon character, to look restless and mischievous, as well as, friendly as often people with depression feel like they're alone with their demons and some even befriend their demons as they believe the 'demon' is their only friend.
I decided to scrap the idea of the mask because I feel as though the mask doesn't portray the overpowering impact mental health issues has on a person and I think it makes the meaning of the comic book very hard to decipher and make the meaning difficult to understand.
I want the villain of the comic book, the demon character, to look restless and mischievous, as well as, friendly as often people with depression feel like they're alone with their demons and some even befriend their demons as they believe the 'demon' is their only friend.
I decided to scrap the idea of the mask because I feel as though the mask doesn't portray the overpowering impact mental health issues has on a person and I think it makes the meaning of the comic book very hard to decipher and make the meaning difficult to understand.
Comic Book Mock-Up
Process
Cover Design
Final Outcome
I am very happy with the final outcome as I believe it portraits the difficulty of mental health issues, especially depression, very well. I have used the repetition of the word "rain rain" as a metaphor for the demon creature that takes control over the teenager/young adult, separating him from his friends and family. I really like how the ending ends in a cliff-hanger allowing the audience to decide what happens next and providing space for possible discussions.