When independent movies became big in the 1990's, there was the sudden realization that a lot of flaws could be forgiven in visuals, acting, and production value when the story being told was original or compelling. They could still be effective and popular…sometimes with massive numbers of people.
South Park made a huge splash when it first came out, and I don't remember having anything but admiration for the cheap animation style, almost identical character faces, and bare minimum of voice actors. That aspect of it was a STRENGTH, as was the envelope-pushing crassness and social commentary.
In the world of webcomics and web animation, there are incredibly talented people doing stunning, professional level work. There's also a lot of stuff that…isn't so strong.
That's okay; part of the fun of webcomics and web video is seeing independents and amateurs, outside any kind of system, doing their own thing.
And personally, the phenomenon of forgiveness bolsters my entire life! My personal life, job, and comics work would be nowhere without it, baby!
I'm all for craft, and mastery of story and visuals. Of course! But some of my favorite stuff is done by amateurs. I love the quirkiness of some of those comics.
Even better is getting to connect and chat with the creators on a personal level, no matter where the work stands on the roughness - polished spectrum. But I'm most surprised, when I stop to think about it, how delighted and charmed I can be by the rougher, simpler or “messier” work out there.
What do you think? Do we automatically forgive a LOT when it comes to webcomics? Is that a bad thing or a good thing? Or just…a thing?
Forgiveness
Banes at 12:00AM, April 14, 2016
3 likes!
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PaulEberhardt at 5:33PM, April 17, 2016
How can I put it? It's a matter of gut feeling. I don't look that much for the technical part, but rather just whether I like it or not. For me, a good comic distinguishes itself by having a soul, its own special charm. For it to be a great read, the art and writing have to match its spirit, if you know what I mean. It's difficult to put into words, but there are comics where everything just fits perfectly, even if they get nowhere near technical perfection. In fact, in some cases too much of it would even get in the way. That is of course not to say I don't appreciate comics that are excellently drawn and written. On the contrary. But it's not everything.
Bruno Harm at 5:05PM, April 14, 2016
There are definitely some comics I love that lack the "curb appeal" of beautiful art, and I'm sure I've skipped one or two gems myself. This isn't to say that every stick figure strip is a winner, but there is something special about finding a good one and sharing it with folks like it's a secret treasure.
usedbooks at 2:35PM, April 14, 2016
I'm a story junkie. While I appreciate art, I definitely prefer original to mainstream styles. In terms of animation, most of my favorite series/franchises have not-great art. Sometimes it grows on me, and sometimes it's still a little distracting but forgivable with good writing (and voice acting, bad voice acting is unforgivable). There are some "art rules" for me both in comics and animation. The characters need to be discernible from each other and the setting apparent. I also have to be able to tell what characters are feeling. Aside from that, the story (or joke in a strip) is key. Good art cannot save bad writing for me. Bad art cannot kill good writing -- as long as the story and characters come across. But unique art can catch my eye and make me take a look. (Bad art can make me hesitate, but usually I'll give something a chance.) Also, bad grammar can kill good writing too. I hate to say that. I feel like a snob, but it really does.
usedbooks at 2:25PM, April 14, 2016
@Genejoke: Twice. Heh. It's not good art, but I enjoy learning and attempting things beyond my ability.
Z74 at 1:46PM, April 14, 2016
Well you all forgive my blunders so I would say it's a good thing .Also I am a realist I know I'll never be a pro , but I still love comics and need to create them so a forgiving audience is nice . I do hope you all will call me out if I do something that is total crap though ...
ashtree house at 9:58AM, April 14, 2016
"And personally, the phenomenon of forgiveness bolsters my entire life! My personal life, job, and comics work would be nowhere without it, baby!" 100% my life.
KimLuster at 9:08AM, April 14, 2016
Another fantastic subject! So fitting...! Like has been said already, I'm very forgiving of 'shortcomings' in art here when I know someone is really trying to tell a good story and are making some effort to improve!! I've felt a lot of 'forgiveness' as well. I knew my art and story wasn't as good as people were saying, but I felt like maybe they saw potential and encouraged me along! Certainly helped - I feel I've gotten better at all aspects! It feels good to do the same with others!!
bravo1102 at 7:16AM, April 14, 2016
But once someone has a reputation for something you won't forgive, ever give them another chance. Some can get away with utter crap just because they once did something so special and someone else can never make up what they did no matter how they improve.
bravo1102 at 7:11AM, April 14, 2016
Quality art can cover for a multitude of faults. You ever read the comments on some comics? All kinds of superlatives for pretty pictures that cover for something that is otherwise a waste. But he'll the art is so good what does it matter? Forgive anything if the art is good enough, right?
Abt_Nihil at 5:26AM, April 14, 2016
I tend to be harder on those who try to mask their narrative flaws/laziness with dazzling visuals.
Genejoke at 2:56AM, April 14, 2016
Take used books for example, she will freely admit that her art was pretty terrible to begin with and that she is a writer not an artist. Yet how many times has she won most improved art in the DD awards? Banes too has slowly and steadily improved. Even I have, I sometimes wonder what my traditional art might be like if I had persevered with it rather than gone over to 3D. And this is just discussing art. Many writers improve dramatically over time but it's less obvious. Forgiveness and encouragement lead to growth and that is usually a good thing.
Genejoke at 2:49AM, April 14, 2016
That's often the hardest thing to do when reviewing webcomics. Sometimes I've been harsher on something that is pretty professional in many ways but falls short than I have been on something that is clearly a labour of love by someone who is doing what they can with what they have. Some of us creators aren't that talented but just want to create. What I love seeing is how people improve.
Ozoneocean at 2:43AM, April 14, 2016
That's what I love most about DD baby!