Successful single-authored comics

When I look at the different single-authored comics that we’ve read this semester, I question whether many of these would have been successful collaborations. Windsor McKay’s Nemo in Slumberland, for example, is one comic whose storyline relies very heavily on the images and drawing style of the artist that dialogue appears almost unnecessary for understanding what is happening. That is, McKay’s drawings convey a certain narrative and feeling of dreaming and vertigo that words cannot express as clearly. Therefore, a writing and drawing collaboration in this case would have taken away from the visual component, which I think is the focus of these particular comics. 

Another example of what could have potentially been an unsuccessful collaboration is Jackie Ormes’ Patty-Jo ’n’ Ginger. With these cartoons, Ormes is not only conveying a certain type of social commentary, but also incorporating her personal interest in fashion to create strong and modern (for the time) female characters. Because these cartoons are rather personal and particular to Ormes’ background, I think having another writer or artist partner with her would have changed the aesthetic of the final product and de-personalized the cartoons. 

Although I see the merit in collaborations, I think single-authored comics can just as successfully exhibit strong writing and artistic direction. In order for a collaboration to be successful, it should not be forced. If the artist has a strong vision of how the story should look and feel, I think his/her work can be deemed a strong example of a single-authored comic.