A comic is a form of expression loved and enjoyed by many people across the world. It is a short illustrative depiction of a story that is supported with or without words. Comics are often humorous but can also depict a deeper message. This form of expression is carried largely on print media such as newspapers and tabloids.
Before the advent of conventional media such as photography, film, and television, comics have been a primary visual method to convey the history and social commentary. Comics can be identified as a method of communication that reflects the political and social aspects of countries, societies, development, propaganda and the layman’s attitudes.
We all have read and watched American comics, that reflect the political and social propaganda in a massive way. When looking at American Comics, the flag-waving patriotism of America during national holidays or other events can be seen as the first step towards fanaticism. The crisis also encourages people to rally around an image or icon. Such patriotism often verges on — or becomes — idolatry. For example, the American flag — either as a tangible object or iconic talisman — becomes a vehicle for nationalist sentiment, sometimes even xenophobia. Its colours, alone, become symbolically charged. The concept of a flag-themed superhero is primarily an American invention. American comic book characters who sport the red, white, and blue (and/or the stars and stripes) include the Shield, Captain America, and, to a lesser extent, Uncle Sam, Wonder Woman, and SuperPatriot.
Such characters also exist in comic books from other countries. Canada has the Canadian Alpha Flight team, the Vindicator, and — most notably — Captain Canuck (whose costumes are red and white, featuring a maple leaf). In the United Kingdom, there is Captain Britain (whose costume incorporates elements of that nation‘s emblem) as well as Union Jack and Jack Staff, whose very names refer to their nation‘s flag. These characters and the stories allow the reader to identify with a country and its ideals as embodied by the hero.
American and British comics are still very popular. Their unique style and humour have often been copied and reproduced around the world. Comics around the world are still used as a strong medium, the series of research that Burgundy will be bringing will inspire and preserve the Sri Lankan comic and ensure that it continues to be used as a platform to educate and create social discussion in its unique style as it is done in many other countries around the world.
SRI LANKAN COMICS : Flash Back
It is believed that the transformational journey of Sri Lankan comics began before the 1960s when comic artists stopped mimicking the west and started creating relevant political comic material. Touching on a range of topics from educational issues, entertainment to critical analyses of society.
The “Gajaman” and “Samaja Samayan” comics were some of the pioneers of the comics industry. During the national elections in 1977, the Daily Mirror published a booklet of comics by the opposition, that denigrating the government. Thousands of these comic books were sold and had supposedly tarnished the image of the current regime. This was the power and effect of comics at the time. Therefore this research is focused on comics especially during the 1960s to the early 2000s.
The popularity of comics was growing at a fast pace. But, there was a major threat to the comic industry with the television. The television began broadcasting hours of foreign animated cartoons that eventually led to the comic industries decline. The information age single-handedly annihilated the comic industry. Thus ended the transformation of Sri Lankan comics.
It can be identified that Sri Lanka has a history of communication through comics that have had an impact on social and political outcomes. Which is why it can be believed that this explanation can help the present and future generation to understand the power of this method of communication.