1 Let’s Read… “Maiden Voyage” by Kazu Kibuishi Spatial Mode: This introductory frame serves as the Orientation—we see the main characters working on their pet project in a room that forms the setting for much of this story. Gestural Mode: Copper’s gaze turning to Fred helps us see the concern he has about Fred’s question. Visual Mode: The colours in this frame shows how isolated Copper and Fred are— the entire world seems to consist only of them and their dream of flying. Visual Mode: The spotlight on the middle of the room helps readers pay attention to the two characters. Linguistic Mode – Organisational Structure: Orientation. At this stage of the Narrative, we are introduced to the main characters and the setting.
2 Visual Mode: The use of brighter colours like red and orange in the speech bubbles emphasises key words that show characters’ feelings. Gestural Mode: Fred’s gaze moving gives us a clue about what he might have seen that resulted in his comment about being hungry. This is then ascertained when we see the broader angle that includes a signboard of “Phil’s Old-Fashioned Burgers and Shakes” in the next row. Visual Mode: Fred’s point of view gives us sight of the sign he has read, and that helps us get a sense of what he might be thinking: perhaps it is good to get some parachutes. Linguistic Mode – Organisational Structure: Series of events building towards Complication. From this point onwards, we learn of a series of events where the two friends get ready for their flight, attempt their first flight, and eventually get into trouble.
3 Visual Mode: The use of colour in this frame is much bolder and more striking, signalling that we have entered into the imagination of Copper.
4 Visual Mode: Notice the difference in colour tones between the present context in the narrative and the scenes of Copper’s memory. The speech bubbles are also different – oblong yellow boxes are used, as compared to the usual white speech bubbles. The frames also change -- smooth, curved lines are used to show the present and bold, while jagged lines are used to show the mind space that Copper is telling Fred stories in.
5 Visual Mode: the use of symbols like the exclamation mark in an entire speech bubble conveys (very efficiently) the shock that the characters feel. Spatial Mode: The “zoom out” effect with the enlarged moon in the background show the transition between scenes as Fred and Copper travel back.
6 Spatial Mode: The use of a long shot in this frame make Copper and Fred look smaller and more vulnerable, which is apt, considering they are talking about Fred’s concerns. Visual Mode: The outline of the frames changes to bolder but wobblier lines as Copper shares from his imagination. Visual Mode: Notice the difference in colour tones between the present context in the Narrative and the scenes of Copper’s memory. The speech bubbles are also different: oblong yellow boxes as compared to the usual white speech bubbles.
7 Spatial Mode: The relative size of the plane gets smaller to show the vastness of the worlds that Copper and Fred are dreaming of travelling through.
8 Visual Mode: The point of view shifts to let the reader feel like we are seeing what Copper and Fred are seeing, so that we can imagine ourselves in their perspective better as they talk about their upcoming flight.
9 Gestural Mode: Fred’s facial expression towards Copper suggests that he has seen through what Copper has been trying to do, and he is not impressed, but definitely convinced. This is emphasised by the linguistic cue and use of repetition later, when Fred comments, “Very clever, Copper. Very clever.”
10 Visual/ Linguistic Mode: The sounds made by the plane are drawn as words into the background, tapping on onomatopoeia to show how the sound reverberates through the entire plane.
11 Visual Mode: Notice the use of different colours in the speech bubbles to show the different situations Copper and Fred find themselves in and their different emotions – blue words for positive signs of flight, and red words for panic or potential danger.
12 Gestural Mode: Fred’s turning of his head and facial expression emphasises the danger of the airplane wing breaking. These three frames depict consecutive events that look like they could be part of an animated sequence.
13 Spatial Mode: Seeing the plane tilt downwards because of our side view makes the impending crash clear to the reader.
14 Visual Mode: Fred’s sweat drops make his panic clear to the reader, even though his words sound calm enough.
15 Visual Mode: The outline of each frame changes to reflect the movements and impact of the crash – the bold and jagged lines suggest a bumpy and loud crash.
16 Gestural Mode: The introduction of a minor character here and the facial expression reflected gives the reader an idea of just how shocking the crash must have been.
17 Visual Mode: The characters’ eyes are drawn differently to reflect their concern/ being shaken through their experience. The narrowed eyes and out-offocus pupils show the fear and disorientation respectively. Linguistic Mode – Organisational Structure: Resolution. We find out that not only do they survive the crash, the two friends emerge from the complication with their friendship intact.
18 “Maiden Voyage” by Kazu Kibuishi From Flight, Volume One Spatial Mode: This shot is so long that the characters are not even visible. This could suggest the vastness of the land they find themselves in, or signal the adventure they have been on. Visual Mode: The use of pastel colours here bring a sense of relief to the day’s events, underscoring the words of the characters earlier about how they are not badly hurt. Linguistic mode: The resolution here is satisfactory enough in showing how the characters have come through their adventure safely.