The Arrival + Image Translation
The stylistic approach to this particular comic is one that is easily understood by anyone. It is for this reason that The Arrival can be successfully told without the use of words.
More specifically, this comic uses a style that is more rendered and realistic. This approach helps the reader identify specific shapes, tones, and shadows that are all seen in real life. In addition to this, Tan uses clear depictions in the beginning of the story of items that many of us know of. These items include things such as clocks, bowls, paper cranes, etc. These items don't need an explanation for what they are. This obviously changes further into the story, but that is a tool used purposely to put us into the characters place of feeling confused and uncertain about his surroundings later on.
Furthermore, Tan illustrates facial expressions and physical gestures in a very successful way. There is always a clear depiction of what type of emotion each character is feeling (sad, angry, happy, confused, etc). Part of the reason these expression might read so clearly is that they are relatable. We've all been to a place or had a situation where we weren't sure of something. That look of being confused, fearful, and frustrated can translate clearly amongst nearly everyone. Tan was able to study these expressions and gestures and translate them into a comic format that still looks and feels understandable. Words weren't needed to express how any of the characters were feelings - you could feel them through the drawings.
To conclude, Shaun Tan created a visually beautiful comic. Everything read clearly even with the lack of any text. Even in specific moments (like when the main character tried hanging posters) there was a language, but we still couldn't read it. It didn't even matter though, we still understood just from the positioning of the symbol that he had hung it upside-down. It is because of strong visual clarity that the story carries itself so well.
IMAGE TRANSLATION
The first panel looks to be showing a woman performing next to a chicken who has laid an egg. The chicken could be a pet...or also performing with her??? The talent of laying eggs...
The second panel looks like the woman is either trapped or being hypnotized by a bird wizard. Again, the chicken is in the frame. Maybe he is in charge of watching her for the wizard.
The third panel is showing the funeral of the woman. It looks as though women are being used as a form of entertainment for these male creatures.
The fourth panel looks like a ritual is being performed on the dead body.
The fifth panel looks like a woman was murdered by the chicken who are always around women. The man looks either excited or really upset...
The sixth panel is another scene of dancing women with a chicken hidden.
The seventh panel shows women having to sit next to a really annoying chicken man. It looks like they have no other choice but to tolerate him.
The eighth panel is two women who are frightened by an intruder male chicken. One of the women look like they're being guarded by a goose..maybe a mother goose?
More specifically, this comic uses a style that is more rendered and realistic. This approach helps the reader identify specific shapes, tones, and shadows that are all seen in real life. In addition to this, Tan uses clear depictions in the beginning of the story of items that many of us know of. These items include things such as clocks, bowls, paper cranes, etc. These items don't need an explanation for what they are. This obviously changes further into the story, but that is a tool used purposely to put us into the characters place of feeling confused and uncertain about his surroundings later on.
Furthermore, Tan illustrates facial expressions and physical gestures in a very successful way. There is always a clear depiction of what type of emotion each character is feeling (sad, angry, happy, confused, etc). Part of the reason these expression might read so clearly is that they are relatable. We've all been to a place or had a situation where we weren't sure of something. That look of being confused, fearful, and frustrated can translate clearly amongst nearly everyone. Tan was able to study these expressions and gestures and translate them into a comic format that still looks and feels understandable. Words weren't needed to express how any of the characters were feelings - you could feel them through the drawings.
To conclude, Shaun Tan created a visually beautiful comic. Everything read clearly even with the lack of any text. Even in specific moments (like when the main character tried hanging posters) there was a language, but we still couldn't read it. It didn't even matter though, we still understood just from the positioning of the symbol that he had hung it upside-down. It is because of strong visual clarity that the story carries itself so well.
IMAGE TRANSLATION
The first panel looks to be showing a woman performing next to a chicken who has laid an egg. The chicken could be a pet...or also performing with her??? The talent of laying eggs...
The second panel looks like the woman is either trapped or being hypnotized by a bird wizard. Again, the chicken is in the frame. Maybe he is in charge of watching her for the wizard.
The third panel is showing the funeral of the woman. It looks as though women are being used as a form of entertainment for these male creatures.
The fourth panel looks like a ritual is being performed on the dead body.
The fifth panel looks like a woman was murdered by the chicken who are always around women. The man looks either excited or really upset...
The sixth panel is another scene of dancing women with a chicken hidden.
The seventh panel shows women having to sit next to a really annoying chicken man. It looks like they have no other choice but to tolerate him.
The eighth panel is two women who are frightened by an intruder male chicken. One of the women look like they're being guarded by a goose..maybe a mother goose?
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