Sitting around talking in comic book land

A review of Will Eisner’s final graphic novel (about the Protocols of the Elders of Zion) on amazon.com raises an interesting question. Can a story whose action consists largely of two people conversing make a compelling comic book? Are there certain rules we must abide by to make an interesting and engaging comic book? Obviously, what will hereafter be known as the Kirkman Doctrine (“make sure your work doesn’t suck, and you’re halfway there”) applies. But beyond that, do we have to inject a certain amount of action to make an effective comic book story? Is the medium limited in what it can convey effectively – are only certain types of stories suitable for comic books, and conversely, are certain types of stories not suited for comic books in any way, shape or form?

My next post will take an in-depth look at these questions and issues and try to arrive at some answers – at least, my answers, if not the Grand Cosmic Universal Answers.