Black & White / "Mirror Mind" by Tory Woollcott

 "Mirror Mind" is based on a true story from the creator's life. Torry Woollcott writes a story in comic form of the challenges one often faces when struggling with dyslexia. The story line goes back to the start of Tory's school career and the start of noticing dyslexia. "Mirror Mind" is not a floppy version of a comic. This story is not told in issues but rather all told in one 'book'. Because it is not told in fragments like traditional style nor as an on-line comic, "Mirror Mind" comes with many advantages for a based on a true story comic. As for color I am unaware if it was a personal choice of the creator or an effect of what McCloud calls a determinant for the use of color, that is, "commerce and technology" (Understanding Comics, 1993). Because it is presented as a black and white comic there are distinct features this style has to use in order to get across things that color could do very easily. 

First, color has such a power that it can set a dominant mood or reflect the characters inner emotions. Below are two panels from the comic in which in one Tory is upset and  the other she is happy.  
    

Black and white comics need to use patterning to express dominant mood. Aside from more dramatized facial expressions the surroundings of the character will let the reader in on the internal mood and emotions. In the left panel the shape surrounding Tory is one that is braided through the comic and becomes a symbol for whenever Tory is feeling intimidated or scared. In the right panel the polka dots are a symbol of feeling good. The dots increasing in size as they distance from the character symbolize a change in state. Tory's slight smile aids in understanding that this new teacher she has makes her feel different. 

Next, black and white comics use patterning to differentiate characters and objects. In the panel below to show the different clothes characters are wearing patterns are used 

Because of the black and white feature of this comic to differentiate and establish

character identity patterns are used. In this panel Tory is in the polka dot dress. Had color
been introduced Troy would identified with a specific color. These are all her classmates and each are very different from each other. Each classmate has some sort of disability. Some posses a learning disability like Tory, others a type of physical or mental disability. However, this is not the only manner in which these children are different from each other, they are different in character, personality and preferences too and that can be shown through what they wear.

Lastly, not only to differentiate but to show significance these comics have only to work with black or white and most often the black shows what is meant to be emphasized.

In this panel the girls are talking about hair color which can be only understood through
their speech. The redhead girl and the blonde are not of the greatest significance in this panel. Tory is of that significance and her hair is colored in black to show two things. The first is that among the three her hair color is the one they are talking about specifically. The second, is that her hair color is the darkest among them. Patterning would not work in this case because this comic is set in a realistic world; therefore, coloring in her hair black and not the other girls' hair makes Tory stand out. 

Overall, the lack of color I believe makes the aspect that it is based on a true story
resonate more with the reader. Black and white comics have other art techniques to turn
to to get their messages across. This comic is so personal to the creator and yet so generic
to everyone who either is struggling with dyslexia, raising someone with it or is in a teacher
position. 

Woollcott, Victoria (Tory). Mirror Mind. Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication: Ontario, 2009. graphic novel.