by Walkerwriter

Created on: March 04, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

10 Reasons why comic books are better than films.

Some of these refer more to the film and comic book indusrty, rather than to films or comics themselves. In some I am half joking, but in others I'm deadly serious!

1. Cost and Time.
Some big dramatic effect can be made in a comic book for a matter of pennies. A similar special effect/CGI/etc could cost millions in a big budget film - so why bother? Is it not an outrageous waste of money when there are so many things desperately in need of funding (like education and health). The world doesnt NEED another expensive explosion scene in a film, we've got enough already! The comic effect can be also made in a fraction of the time involved for a film. As an extension of this: comics can generally be made more quickly than films.

2. Personal vision
Aren't you astonished by the sheer amount of people involved in making a big budget film? The end credits that require TWO songs to be played over them just to fit everybody in! The requirement to have so many voices involved because of the complexity of film making does mean having a personal vision in the creative work is so much harder than it is in comics. This is despite the autuer theory, which is largely discredited now many think. Comics, on the other hand, are still normally the product of one, two or perhaps three minds. This is definitely true at the independent level, but even in bigger companies. This fact alone creates a whole box full of positive characteristics.

3. Comics are more experimental, vital and bold.
Why do you think the film industry steals every decent idea that comic books have? The amount of films based on comic books has increased considerably over the last ten years or so. But ask yourself: how many can you think of that are anywhere near as good as the original in terms of artistry, boldness of vision, uniqueness, or even plain good story-telling? Only the 'American Splendour' film comes to my mind.

4. Films don't care about their viewers, but comics do!
This sounds strange, I will try to explain...If you are watching a film on TV, you can go off to the other room for a while and the film rudely carries on without you - as if you weren't there at all! A film is self contained, it doesn't need you to let itself unfold. On the other hand, you can put down a comic book that you are reading, and go on holiday for a week. When you return, the comic is right there, patiently waiting on you to turn the next page! So, comic books need the readers to

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