[Question] Cartoony style?

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One of the problems with this comic is the sheer time investment required. I was thinking of trying a more cartoon like style in the vein of Oglaf or Ghostopolis. My editor seems to think this style might not be hmmm dark enough for the story I am telling.

What do you think? Do you think you could tell a serious story in a cartoony style?

I'm attaching a photo of Ghostopolis for reference. Just a random spread.

 

[drifter]

Do you think you could tell a serious story in a cartoony style?

Yes

 

[Bowielee]

I think the biggest issue would be the change being made in the same comic. If people are used to the original art style, it may be jarring and alienating to change it so drastically.

 

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I'm comfortable alienating my 2 man reader base.

 

[PatrThom]

Do you think you could tell a serious story in a cartoony style?

Oh Hell yes it can. Just look at Simpsons/Futurama.
For that matter, you can use the cartoony style to amp up the discomfort factor, much like David Thomas' "Tasty Beef" (could not find a direct link, sorry)

--Patrick

 

[drifter]

I'm going to be honest here; the art style you were using before is a part of the reason I didn't bother reading. Not that I thought that it was badly done, but it didn't catch my interest.

Although in fairness, that might be because the way you draw is pretty similar to the way I do; familiarity breeds contempt, and all that.

 

[fade]

I'm starting to think I'm a bad comic artist. Oh I can draw, but that's not the same thing. The images lack power. Like this recent bit where he takes out the robber with the cord. It's so flat. Need to push the action and movement more. And the pace

 

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You know I just read back through my archive--something I haven't really done--and I take that back. The pacing could definitely use some pickup but the visuals aren't terrible, all due humility.
Still though I could do with a style that was faster.

 

[Zappit]

Cartoony styles can work. Doug Manke, Al Rio, and R. Crumb are just a few who work in more cartoony styles with serious stories.

Would The Maxx have had the same visceral impact if say, John Cassidy or Dave Gibbons? It would look good, sure, but it just wouldn't have the same impact.

Would Invincible's dark turn have been so shocking if it didn't have a more cartoony style?

Let's not forget Maus, too.