It's A Bird by Steven T. Seagle part 1 analysis

Visual Parallel and Contrasts:

One major parallel I noticed from the first section of this graphic novel is how the editor is drawn when talking to Steven. He always has all his weight on both arms and is leaned over a table or chair or something, even when the situation does not require such a stressed position. This consistent position, as well as how he is drawn (sketchy, faceless, the most distinguished part of his person is the black headset he wears) shows a static character.

Written Parallel and Contrasts:

There are a couple dialogue scenes in the first 13 pages, between a young Steven and his mother, and then Steven and the editor within DC comics. In both sections of dialogue, Steven has some significant anger thrown at him. His mother is projecting anger that she feels from his father's side of the family on him as his grandmother begins to pass away, and the editor is just generally angry with Steven about not taking Superman ("Pick it up pick it up pick it up" (11)), despite not understanding why Steven is unwilling to draw the iconic super hero. This could be a constant struggle in Stevens life, if he continues to have anger imposed on him, it could explain his mental inability to draw Superman.

The Images

There are some very interesting focus points in many of the frames so far. The focus points of the drawings themselves show some interesting points that Seagle wants to make. What's interesting to me is that through the first thirteen pages, children are drawn with the most detail and focus. Even more so than the main character himself. Young Steven and his brother are drawn with defined lines, and the child telling his mother to slow down has his own frame and has a very defined character with many different colors.