Visual Analysis Paper

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Visual analysis paper

Introduction

“My Friend Dahmer” is one of the most celebrated graphic novels of John "Derf" Backderf. In this graphic novel, he has discussed one of his teenager friends, Jeffrey Dahmer who later becomes a notorious serial killer. It was the time, when they were in high school called Revere high school and Junior High school at East view. In this novel, it could be seen that Dahmer commits his first murder just after two weeks of high school graduation.

Discussion

By taking a look at this graphic novel, it could be said that images that have been used by Derf, enhances the understanding of narration. It is interesting to note that Derf used visual images in order to appeal reader's senses so that they could develop an understanding with the character and action about which the writer is discussing. By analyzing character of Dahmer, it could be realized that Backderf has portrayed him as a monster who ruthlessly kills innocent people. Shadowed faces imply in the reader's mind nefarious thoughts. Negative thoughts make his image as a villain clearer to the readers, as Dahmer is different from the rest of the people (Earle,et,al,2017). Backderf has taken help of both visuals and words for facilitating his readers. There are multiple panels that are creating tension that what Dahmer is doing. Another major thing that could be seen in these images is that Backderf is trying to play with reader's expectations. Intentionally, the writer has left gaps because the visual narrative is as insightful as the words and reader has to make connection for filling these gaps. After filling those gaps, the reader would be able to understand this visual novel.

This thing cannot be denied that in each form of writing or literature there could be seen some major elements that are particularly used in these different forms of writing. It has been seen that like literary devices (metaphors, similes, and others) that are used in narrative texts, there are some key elements in graphic novels as well. Stylistic art is one of the most important things that best present the ideas that the writer wanted his readers to interpret. Backderf has used stylistic art for grasping the attention of his readers. Stylistic art is a way of pointing towards some specific things such as in this selected novel of Backderf, it could be seen that by using stylistic art, Backderf is pointing towards the unusual nature of Dahmer. These stylistic patterns and art work, are presenting Dahmer in a wired way, who is a friendless person. One of the main stylistic arts that has been used, is the use of silhouette that actually evokes a tone. Darkness that has been presented as a stylistic part of his art actually pointed towards the darkness of Dahmer’s head and soul (Backderf,et,al,2012). Stylistic art helps the writer for presenting his feelings in the best possible way. It is one of the most suitable ways through which the writer can directly inculcate things and ideas into the minds of his readers.

By taking an in-depth analysis of this graphic novel, there could be witnessed various elements such as themes, symbolism, plot, character, and imagery, etc. This novel revolves around two main characters, one is the writer Backderf and other is Dahmer. There are various themes that have been depicted by the writer in this graphic novel such as the theme of friendship, isolation, and neglect. By reading this novel it becomes obvious that Backderf has presented this story in a different way than the rest of the world. In this novel, the writer has tried to make his readers realize that some people need help from society for living a normal life.

Character of Dahmer has been presented in such a way that he really needs help from society in the form of care, concern, attention and support so that he could survive like an ordinary human being. In this novel, the writer is pointing and criticizing the inhumane nature of humans. Different symbols have been used to relate the monstrous and unnatural people who commit atrocities and serious crimes. Dahmer becomes a notorious serial killer as his way of killing is just beyond the human capacity. Backderf is criticizing youth of that time and has asked them a question that where were they when pessimism and darkness were approaching Dahmer. It is a visual novel so, there could be seen many signs and symptoms and one of the main symbols of this novel is darkness. Darkness is being used by Backderf for depicting the hollowness and loneliness of Dahmer who because of the negligence of society becomes a criminal.

Conclusion

In this novel, Jeffrey imitates spasms that clearly show his backpack. His act of making noises in class, appeals to the writer and his friends as they found him different than the rest of the class. Unusual character and behavior of Dahmer catch Derf's attention and he draws him at various situations. So as a whole, it could be said that this visual novel is spotting a light at various aspects of life. It is also teaching a great lesson that it is the responsibility of society to take care of the people who are struggling in life (Trinkwitz,et,al,2018). Little care and concern would change many lives in a positive way but at the same time, negligence would have drastic effects on society as well. Visual novels assist the readers in making strong mental images of the character that helps them in having a great understanding. The graphic novel is one of the best pieces of literature that appeals to reader’s senses.

Work Cited:

Backderf, Derf. My Friend Dahmer. Abrams, 2012.

Trinkwitz, Joachim. "Comic/Graphic Novel." Handbuch Kriminalliteratur. JB Metzler, Stuttgart, 2018. 383-393.

Earle, Harriet. "Framing Violence and Serial Murder in My Friend Dahmer and Green River Killer." The Comics Grid: Journal of Comics Scholarship 7 (2017).