The Use of Lines in Comics

The comic I chose is from the tales of Popeye created by E.C.Segar. Although Segar has been passed for sometime, this is one of his original works.  There are so many different qualities to analyze in this comic strip. 

Starting with the most obvious, the use of gesture lines are everywhere in this comic. The gesture qualities help to make movement in flat, 2D pictures.  We can visualize movement between the two men fighting as well as see the strength of the punch.  Comparing the first and third images, it is easy to see that both men were hit, but we can also see that Popeye’s punch was much stronger, without even looking at the last slide of the comic.  The lines themselves convey the message of power in these images.

            Another quality that helps gives more life to the images are the use of the stars in the slides.  We discussed in class how a star could be symbolized as so many different things.  In this comic, the stars are representing the powerfulness of the punch as well as the dizziness caused.  Comparing the first and third images in the comic can make the reader better understand the strength of the punch.  Even though “BOP” and “SPLAT” are written into the action, it’s the lines and symbols that give the actions more meaning.

            In the last slide of the comic, we read that Popeye wins the argument and overall fight.  The last slide also uses eye lines to direct the conversation.  The man who was knocked out, Popeye and Olive Oyl’s eye lines are all pointing at the man in the barrel. These eye lines make it apparent that the man in the barrel was really the one that the whole fight was about.  Without the eye lines conveying so, we may have concluded that the larger man was the center of the conflict.

            The uses of textural qualities are minimal in this comic strip.  We do see a bit of texture in the larger man shirt and the soles of their shoes.  Also, when Popeye “splats” the larger man, his chin has a few texture lines showing that he’s been hit.  Although these are minimal qualities in the comic, they are important to convey the overall message that Segar was trying to give to readers.