You're right about how annoying it is when a caption repeat the action in the panel. Flash Gordon Prince Valiant were special cases, though. In both strips the pictures were unnecessary. Take away all that beautiful art and you'd still get 100% of the story.
Back in the 60s-70s Stan Lee would repeat actions not only in captions but also in the dialogue. I think the intention was to "cover" for unclear artwork.
Action: Captain America throws the switch. Caption: Captain America throws the switch... Captain America: I'll throw this switch!
Well, the text serves another function. It's like drawing an army of 10,000 advancing warriors by drawing someone pointing who says, "Look, here comes an army of 10,000 advancing warriors!" Given Raymond's penchant for detail, I don't begrudge him the occasional shortcut.
You're right about how annoying it is when a caption repeat the action in the panel. Flash Gordon Prince Valiant were special cases, though. In both strips the pictures were unnecessary. Take away all that beautiful art and you'd still get 100% of the story.
ReplyDeleteBack in the 60s-70s Stan Lee would repeat actions not only in captions but also in the dialogue. I think the intention was to "cover" for unclear artwork.
Action: Captain America throws the switch.
Caption: Captain America throws the switch...
Captain America: I'll throw this switch!
Those transparent snowsuits are slick! But Flash looks like he's put on a bit of weight.
ReplyDeleteWell, the text serves another function. It's like drawing an army of 10,000 advancing warriors by drawing someone pointing who says, "Look, here comes an army of 10,000 advancing warriors!" Given Raymond's penchant for detail, I don't begrudge him the occasional shortcut.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Diana, thanks.
ReplyDelete