Can Good Art Save Bad Writing (and Vice Versa?)

Written By: Arden Jones

When you walk into that favorite comic book shop of yours, or the graphic novel sectio in your local bookstore, you’ll find that you are already scanning shelves for something that appeals to your aesthetic preferences. However, for comic book and graphic novel enthusiasts, we look not only at the cover but also at the pages. As an avid reader of books of the sequential variety who’s collected enough graphic novels to qualify as a mini library, I know that before I decide to invest any money or time into a new comic or graphic novel, I am reading the synopsis on the back and flipping through the pages to look at the art. As many comic enthusiasts could tell you, many works have incredible art with noticeably weak writing, or vice versa. Before furthering my education in sequential art at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and studio art. Good art cannot save bad writing, however; good writing can save bad art. Of course, art is subjective and writing styles can vary based on the genre or the author’s personal voice. I would define bad art in the context of comics as visual choices that do not match or enhance the genre or themes of the story, as well as being unclear about who the target audience is. Bad writing is unrealized character arcs, too many plot holes or continuity errors, and a lack of narrative payoff in the end. The story itself can be a great concept, but if executed poorly, then it will not resonate with readers.

During the luncheon with visiting Alum Joelena Despard, assistant editor at Oni Press, I posed the question of whether good art can save bad writing and vice versa to hear her thoughts. Joelena’s immediate response to the beginning part of my query was, “No.” She agreed that good art cannot save bad writing, but good writing can save bad art. That being said, Joelena stated that bad writing would not necessarily dissuade her from visiting the artist’s booth at a convention or even purchasing a print of their art. If the buyer’s intent is to purchase a book with incredible art, then the writing does not matter as much. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the world of their book, good art can at least temporarily distract from the bad writing and convince one to buy the comic. Once the bad writing fails to keep its readers engaged, the book will end up on a shelf collecting dust, and the reader will either forget about it or develop a strong negative opinion toward it and the author. Either way, that title and any other comic or graphic novel created by that particular author will have little to no returning customers. An exception to this lies in well-known or long-existing IPs or licenses such as Marvel and DC, who can afford to have one or two comics with poor writing as they already have an established fanbase.

Though stunning visuals paired with a weak narrative structure are not a successful combination, good writing can save bad art. The world of the story and its characters, as well as the conflict that may bring them to ruin or allow them to overcome and triumph, are what encourage readers to keep turning the page to see what happens next. However, even with good writing, the comic may still have difficulty in attracting an audience. The bad art may deter potential readers from checking out the comic, thus robbing them of the chance to experience the masterful storytelling inside. Good comic writing is unfortunately wasted if it cannot grab attention. This especially impacts existing IPs, as they already come with preconceived expectations on the quality and general style of the work. For original or indie comics, though they too can be obstructed by bad art; an unconventional art style may actually end up helping those books stand out and become what makes that author and artist recognizable.

While it would be nice for all comics and graphic novels to have good art and good writing, this is not an easy standard to meet. Yes, there are quite a few books out there that a majority of people agree are visual narrative masterpieces, but there are always a few who disagree. Different people have different preferences. It is impossible to please everyone, but every creative work does garner some sort of following. While one comic may not appeal to some, it will enthrall others. In the end, when it comes to making a comic or a graphic novel, I believe it is important for the author and the artist to collaborate as much as they can to craft an aesthetically pleasing and developed visual narrative.