RE: Getting my head around comics
In the photo, I see two volumes by the high-priest, Alan Moore, and I cannot resist replying. I've recently read some manga (Death Note & Attack on Titan) and I must agree, these are so different that western comics; it's only natural, given the huge cultural differences.
I was really into comics during the 80's & 90's, following several titles (Savage sword of Conan, Hellblazer, Sandman, ABC Warriors, Judge Dredd, marvel super-heros, Strontium Dog, etc); I've also bought many others on a whim, but I rarely regretted getting one. I have an almost complete collection of Asterix, and several Lucky Lukes, Mafaldas, Iznogouds, Tintins, and local (greek) comics.
Also, I am proud of my full collection of Hugo Pratt's Corto Maltese. It's awesome to see how his abstract art style when drawing action panels, transforms to an extremely detailed and realistic style when drawing architecture.
For me, Alan Moore is a true master of the comic medium. His panels' setup is so well-thought, with a true cinematic feeling; his stories are extremely detailed and well-plotted. Yes, he really bridges the gap between literature & cinema, as you said.
Moore seems to be a real character himself. A little eccentric, but definitely a powerful force
Yeah, "little" in a big way! He managed to remain an outsider to corporate politics and games. I've read several of his interviews, and he has a unique view on life and what matters. I am impressed by his disregard for finances -- not that he is poor, but he does not care to make even more, to milk the cow. He values the presence (or absence!) of his name on the credits more than any financial profits. He is an idealist, we ain't got many left.
And he made this --you got to read the "lyrics".