Conclusion

A common theme of multimedia theory seems to be that we are relentlessly headed towards a situation where all media will merge to create of one hyper-real super media that will supersede all other media. I consider this theory to be fundamentally flawed. Even supposing that total immersion virtual reality is one day realised, this super media would not be appropriate in all circumstances. Perfection is a purely hypothetical idea. Nature operates by virtue of diversity and complimentary opposites. I would suggest that particularity and diversity are just as important within media as in the natural world. It is this concept of difference and of individual virtue that I believe to be central to any discussion of the potential of online comics as a medium.

I believe that the most important and unique quality of a comic is the way in which it combines the contemplative nature of the still image with the power of narrative. It is this aspect that lends itself to the production of multi-layered works which can be read both on a quick, simple level, and also contemplated and mused on to reveal other levels.

Online comics have the power to take this dimension of variable granularity a step further. When contemplating a painting, a viewer conducts an internal dialogue with themselves in regard to the possible meanings of aspects of the painting. The more ambitious examples of comic art achieve the same thing. Online comics present the possibility of having that dialogue, not only in the privacy of one's skull, but also with the work itself. The mode of interaction that I proposed earlier strikes me as a more valuable way in which to introduce interactivity into online comics than trying to create an amalgamation of a narrative and a game, the dynamics of which I consider to be incompatible.

I have advised caution with regard to introducing additional media into an online comic. This is not to say that animation and sound should never be used, but rather that a decision should be made as to whether to produce an online comic; which seeks to preserve and enhance the virtues of a comic; or alternatively to use the full power of multimedia to create an animated story. I do not consider the latter course to be in any way inferior, the results could be potentially excellent, but also rather too different to be helpfully described as a comic.

Within the constraints of what can be described as a comic, I believe that there is the potential for many diverse and valuable works to be created. The basic format of words and pictures can be modelled in many ways. The key to success for any online comic will be that the power of digital media is used to enhance, rather than replace the strengths of the medium.