Building a relationship through lines and colors: an analysis of Asterios Polyp

Abstract

In this article, we present a reading of the comic book Asterios Polyp, by David Mazzucchelli, focusing on the analysis of the lines and colors used to symbolize the relationship between the main characters, Asterios and Hana. In Asterios Polyp (2009), the author emphasizes the differences between the characters not only through the actions they take, but also through the way they are portrayed. While Asterios is outlined with straight geometrical lines colored in blue, Hana’s hatching is less linear and filled in pink. This visual contrast is, at times, accentuated, and, others, attenuated. In this study, we take a look at the effects these stylistic choices create on the reader. In order to do that, we resort to McCloud’s (1993) study of comic books and the symbolic use  of  colors in literature.