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An original, two-volume graphic novel which explores grief and the loss of self through the lens of fantasy. Visually inspired by the Expressionist movement of early 20th century cinema.
Concept:
"There exists a Labyrinth of dark quartz. Ever hungry, ever expanding, it consumes al restless civilization forsaken on its outskirts.
When Sila's life is threatened by body-withering plague, she ventures through the twisting, cold stone in search of a former flame long since lost to exploring the very same turns she now traverses. The Labyrinth holds more secrets than the fate of a lost explorer, however, and Sila soon must confront the remnant of her past, the downfall of her people, and the chance to become something more than a moth chasing the flame of someone who never truly saw past his own light".
Process
The text for the project was written out like a cross between a screenplay and a novel, with large chunks of color-coded descriptive text detailing the imagery I wanted to add along to what was being said. Written in a first person POV, the story flows like a stream of the protagonists consciousness as she moves throughout the linear narrative.
Flashbacks are also color-coded within the story, with the final images being tinted sepia to show the difference in time. "Present" images are slightly differing shades of blues, greens, and grays to show the briefer passing of time from chapter to chapter.
To achieve a cinematic effect, I utilized large images that spanned across full spreads as opposed to many smaller comic panels. The text appears in little strips, as if a story had been cut and collaged on top of the images like subtitles.
Sketch, Lineart, Final Render
Toned Sketch Page Outline
Book Jacket Illustration
As this project was my thesis work, I presented my progress each step of the way, culminating in a final showcase display in May of 2023. I received full marks.
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