The Letter of the Law
I hope everyone had a very nice holiday. I know I did, but alas now it’s back to the grindstone. As far as news goes, it’s been a pretty slow news day. Let’s see there’s a new Dark Knight trailer out, I’m sure that most of you’ve seen it. It’s on Yahoo if you want to check it out. Heath Ledger as the Joker? Who has comments on that. I have to see I was a little skeptical at first if he could pull if off, but after seeing the trailer, I must say I think he can pull it off. In other news, Comiccraft has announced it’s annual font sale. Want more info on buying some comic fonts of your very own to use here’s the site: http://www.comicbookfonts.com/fonts/sale.html?sid=0001Fx7hiUV2pR8qzY4h2l6
That brings me to today’s topic. The important role lettering plays in comic books. While other mediums, such as television, radio, and print all can convey words either vocally, or with prose. The comic book presents a unique challenge as the meaning of words must be conveyed pictorally. Most take for granted the lettering when viewing a page, but ensuring emphasis is played on key words to evoke emotion it does take a talented letterer. Another challenge a letterer faces is the task of filling dialogue balloons so they are easily read, yet not too crammed, and without deleting important items. Also a character’s speech and tone is conveyed through lettering also. An example of this is the Spectre. His speech patterns and vocal range is entirely different from say, Captain America’s, so the lettering must reflect this. I have included a picture of what I believe exemplifies classic, picturesque lettering and especially in the digital age, this is a skill that must not be overshadowed. Thoughts on lettering? If so let me know I’m always interested.
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