Scenes from a Multiverse

The usage, or lack thereof, of digital affordances can shape the reader’s interaction with the webcomic. While comics designed for the Web can be created in a different visual format than traditional print comics, Scenes From A Multiverse (SFAM) is a prime example of a webcomic which uses very few digital affordances [1]. The webcomic is very uniform in size and structure, and it has very few recurring themes or characters.

The comic shares similarities to baozou manhua, which are usually simple humorous drawings that cover a broad spectrum of topics and hint at societal problems in China [2]. Rosenberg almost always uses a 2x2 grid of square panels and humors his audience by exploring topics ranging from technological advancements to family to politics. He illustrates that uniformity, simplicity, and humor can attract an audience without the whims of a plethora of digital affordances.

Furthermore, Rosenberg’s choice to only employ the digital affordance of alt text into Scenes from a Multiverse gives these small lines of text greater significance. The first discovery of alt text in a webcomic can make the reader feel like they are privy to an inside joke. Including every single digital affordance possible into a single webcomic is akin to a sensory overload; there is too much going on to appreciate or understand every little thing. McCloud’s infinite canvas idea and comics that require zooming to advance are not the best fit for every webcomic [3].

The static pages with still square frames in Scenes from a Multiverse give the reader a sense that they are merely viewing a snapshot of another event in another world. Exactly as intended, readers viewing SFAM are looking at scenes from this multiverse of Rosenberg’s creation.

1. Lamb, Annette and Larry Johnson. "Graphic Novels, Digital Comics, and Technology-Enhanced Learning: Part 1." Teacher Librarian, 06, 2009, 70-75,84, http://prx.library.gatech.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.prx.library.gatech.edu/docview/224883202?accountid=11107. 

2. "Baozou Manhua (rage Comics), Internet Humour and Everyday Life." Taylor and Francis Online. Accessed February 25, 2019. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10304312.2014.941334?scroll=top&needAccess=true.

3. Lane, Tahree. "Graphic Novels Come of Age: BGSU Exhibit Reflects the Growing Popularity of the Art Form." McClatchy - Tribune Business News, Nov 16, 2008. http://prx.library.gatech.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/456770097?accountid=11107.