Episode Summary
Step into the realm of original fairy tale comics as we embark on a captivating journey led by the talented artist Melanie Gillman. Melanie, an SAW Alumni and American queer non-binary cartoonist, illustrator, and lecturer, is a specialist in LGBTQ comics for Young Adult readers. Their notable works include "Other Ever Afters" (a collection of QUEER FAIRY TALES), "Who Was a Daring Pioneer of the Skies?" and their webcomic "As the Crow Flies."
Mel takes the stage, delving into the craft of writing fairy tale comics, offering insights into their creative process and the narrative structures that underpin these fantastical tales. Discover the rich heritage and timeless appeal of fairy tales and fables as Melanie explores their origins and longevity. They shed light on the historical significance of these stories, deeply rooted in oral storytelling traditions. Drawing from research and neuroscience, we learn the profound impact of storytelling on our memory. Melanie masterfully uses a story to exemplify how narratives are more memorable than dry facts, making for an engaging and informative discussion.
Dive into the heart of narrative storytelling, explore cautionary tales, and witness how they've evolved to teach moral lessons within an ever-changing society.
Listen in for insights on:
Fairy tales have endured for so long because they are flexible narratives that can be reinterpreted over time to suit different cultures and eras.
Visual storytelling in comics mirrors some qualities of oral storytelling, like using metaphor, allegory, and evoking the spoken word through panel layout and dialogue.
Common fairy tale tropes like the "rule of three" that can be effectively translated to comic form through a character's attempts to achieve their goal over three panels or pages..
Engage With Mel Gillman Through These Links:
www.melaniegillman.com
Instagram: @mgillman
