Hyperbole and a Half

Hyperbole and a Half is a webcomic that actively explores the interactive spaces provided online, which allows readers to select from a wide variety of content. Brosh releases content that is purely humorous, which can allow readers an element of relief and enjoyment. On the other hand, Brosh also writes pieces that are very intense and detail oriented that open a dialogue about depression and mental illness [1]. She clearly displays how confused and helpless she felt in this stage of her life, which is truly powerful because depression is a mood disorder that plagues many individuals, yet many people do not understand how it works and where to treat such a disorder. As this epidemic has fallen over the U.S., it is more important now than ever to spread public information and knowledge about depression as it undoubtedly relates to many individuals within their life. Clearly, Brosh allows the audience a diverse array of material to supplement their lives however they feel best fits their needs.

The respective mode, which is a digital native comic, allows freedom, which is extremely powerful as Brosh utilizes her position as a creator to the fullest extent [2]. Furthermore, Hyperbole and a Half exploits social spaces through this freedom that explores the element of working recursively, inciting discourse and even functioning as a platform for teaching and academia [3]. As a direct result, readers and authors can communicate amongst themselves creating a feedback loop, ultimately improving the product. This results in a very tight-knit, supportive community to coexist, which suggests that Brosh is truly providing a meaningful system that helps many individuals in a variety of ways. Ultimately, Hyperbole and a Half formulates a webcomic that allows children and adults alike to assist individuals in any realm they see fit.

1. Botzakis, Stergios. "Adult Fans of Comic Books: What They Get out of Reading." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 53, no. 1 (2009): 50-59. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40344340.

2. Maggio, J. "Comics and Cartoons: A Democratic Art-Form." PS: Political Science and Politics 40, no. 2 (2007): 237-39. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20451936.

3. Carter, James Bucky. "Graphic Novels, Web Comics, and Creator Blogs: Examining Product and Process." Theory into Practice 50, no. 3 (2011): 190-97. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23020782.