BOOM BOOM POW!

Although storytelling through pictures has been in existence as far back as history can tell, comics were first introduced in the 1890s. The Yellow Kid is largely considered to be the first comic strip, debuting in a Sunday supplement in America in 1895.  It brought with it the “word balloon” as its creator Outcault put it and has given us what is now an iconic staple in not only the comic world, but the lexicon of art and design as a whole – the speech bubble. In 1937, Detective Comics, or as we all know it today - DC Comics, released its first issue and kick-started what academics call the Golden Age of comics, a.k.a – the re-definition of childhood. The world of superheroes, fantasies and general awesome-ness had begun. 

The Yellow Kid comic strip. Photo courtesy: www.lambiek.net

 

The first issue of Detective Comics. Photo courtesy: wikicommons 

Over the years, apart from being one of the most effective (and enjoyable!) mediums of story telling, comics have lent themselves to the world of design through their illustration style. The comic style of illustration has achieved a cult status of sorts, often being associated with kitschy design concepts. We come across this style of illustration in almost all forms of commercial design & communication – 

PRINT ADS

1934 Advertisement for Nestle in a comic strip style. Photo courtesy: sparehed.com

Umbro Go Faster Print Ad. Photo courtesy: lovecreative.com

Volkswagen Emergency Brake advertisement. Photocourtesy: coloribus.com

FASHION 

Photos courtesy: bearshoes.com, brilliant-apparel.com, timeoutchicago.com, geekpinata.com

PACKAGING

DKNY Be Delicious Special Edition Packaging. Photo courtesy: geniusbeauty.com

MAC Wonder Woman Limited Edition Collection. Photo Courtesy: style.com

3R Tequila packaging. Photo courtesy: thedieline

Limited Edition Wine Bottle labels by Australian design agency The Creative Method. Photo courtesy:trendhunter.com

The comic style is iconic, recognizable and instantly garners curiosity and interest as it is associated with a story and a “What happens next?” sentiment, thus successfully grabbing the attention of the audience or consumer. It humanizes the design, adds personality, is uplifting and creates a generally positive feeling within the viewer. Comics and the comic illustrative style also seem to have a unique quality of evolving and being current and trendy while still staying vintage, quirky and old-school at the same time. In commercial design, this style helps make the product standout from a crowd and often puts an excited smile on the consumers face, regardless of age.

On that note, here’s something to put a smile on all our faces – wise words from the most profound 6-year old that ever was..

Image courtesy: chutzpah.typepad.com

So tell us, what’s your favourite comic strip or book and if you could design your own comic inspired item, what would it be?

Additional Credits:  Wikipedia.org and The Comics – An Illustrated History of Comic Strip Art 1895-2010, by Jerry Robinson

Sharanya Venkataraman, Account Executive