For so many graphic novels, their run in the world of print is great, but the true success takes off once the story is adapted for television. It’s because in today’s digitally oversaturated world, fewer people are talking about imagination when they say they want their novels to jump off the page.
They literally want someone to get the story’s content and convert it to a form that brings action-packed scenes to life.
Well, former IBM employee and graphic novel lover Erica Austin has launched a solution that could lay the blueprint for the future of graphic novel reading.
Many readers still enjoy the feeling of scanning from panel to panel to keep up with their favorite characters but also wouldn’t mind seeing the content of the pages take on a life of their own from time to time.
That’s where Austin’s new app comes in.
“Against the Grain” allows for a more interactive graphic novel experience that integrates e-book versions of Austin’s self-created novels with short videos that highlight some of the novel’s more action-packed scenes.
So after reading through a few pages of content, the reader may stumble upon a video that gives an animated portrayal of an encounter with a villain or a perilous adventure.
“Against the Grain,” which is also the name of the novel series, is certainly a very early approach to such a concept and one would be lying if he or she said the animations couldn’t use a little bit of work.
Overall, however, the videos along with the digital panels that take readers through a more traditional reading experience are executed very well.
“Boasting a clean, crisp interface, bursting with amazing artwork and incredible two-dimensional and three-dimensional animations, Austin’s comics transcend the standard read,” a press release explains. “The app also allows users to preview new issues before purchasing and watch animated trailers so they know exactly what they are going to get.”
The app currently boasts two issues of Austin’s novel, which brings the content to about 200 illustrated pages and about six different animations.
The new app is certainly worth checking out, but perhaps the real test of its excellence will be explored if other graphic novel creators try to mimic her more interactive approach.
