27.11.2007
Simon Says – Soundtracks
Something of a moot point for a graphic novel company? Initially we thought so too. A soundtrack has no business in the graphic novel world, right? Perhaps. But then again, we always see things differently in the fluid friction graphic novel world.
Soundtracks. Graphic novels. No relation, right? But should it be something we’re considering? Recently I’ve been pondering this question, and it’s turned out to be a good one to ask. I initially thought the answer obvious – until I realised the possibilities…
My line of thinking began at a logical point. If soundtracks and graphic novels are compatible, why don’t they already co-exist? You can generally judge the worth of an idea by seeing how successfully it’s been done before, and personally I can’t think of a single example where a graphic novel has been accompanied by a soundtrack - and you might say for good reason. “A graphic novel is a book, right? And books don’t play music last I heard…” Well, that’s a good point, and one that may have been valid 5 years ago. However, technology has made many previously unthinkable ideas possible, so if we assume that it CAN be done we have to ask why it HASN’T already…and the more I think about it, the more I feel that this is about as far as anyone must get with the idea. It hasn’t been done so it can’t be done. If we go beyond this and assume that it IS possible to supply a graphic novel with a soundtrack then we can evaluate the worth of doing so…
Take a moment to consider your favourite movie. Now imagine that it has a completely different soundtrack. Different composer, different genre. Imagine that it’s got a ska-techno soundtrack instead (and if you managed to pick the only film in existence that actually HAS that, give yourself a pat on the back). It’s difficult to do, right? After all, the soundtrack is integral to the atmosphere of a film, in the same way that it is for a video game. Music conveys mood better than anything else in the world and nothing can be moodier than a soundtrack (except, possibly, a teenager). It will instantly recreate the drama and the tone of whatever it was written for, and can help you relive the core experiences of said movie in an instant.
The opening notes of the Star Wars theme sum this whole idea up very nicely. The second you hear that fanfare you know what it is and how it makes you feel…which is like a jedi, obviously! It would be impossible to associate Star Wars with anything else.
Now consider your favourite graphic novel series. There’s a good chance you’ve picked something that’s already been made into a movie. And the reason for this? Graphic novels make (potentially) fantastic films – they are dramatic, action-orientated, filled with colourful characters and vibrant worlds. Graphic novels are visual entertainment, a story told with images - and a movie is a story told with images and sounds. And therein lies the key difference. But what if this difference were to disappear?
And suddenly you see why this is such an interesting idea. A graphic novel with a soundtrack. The missing link between graphic novels and movies! Instantly there’s a potential to make the whole universe so much more tangible, to make the story that much more dramatic and moving. It fits perfectly with our ethos of creating a real and expansive world, filled with character and atmosphere! Imagine reading an emotionally-charged battle scene with clashing swords and arrows raining down around our hero – and having the perfect score to accompany it! The whole tone of the graphic novel becomes more clearly defined, and the action and the drama is infinitely more visceral. Immediately there is a new depth to the storyline, and a new intensity.
Just like that the whole idea of the traditional graphic novel has evolved. A simple idea, taken to it’s logical conclusion. That’s why it always pays to look at things from fresh angles – you never know when a graphic novel soundtrack might come your way! And if you don’t allow yourself the creativity to see the potential in it, you might miss out on a very good thing.
