Review of the Graphic Novel "Jack Kirby's The Losers"

This page has been taken from “Jack Kirby’s The Losers”, an action packed comic book series set during the Second World War. The reader experiences the horrors of war through the eyes of Kirby’s fictional characters, and is taken on new and thrilling missions from issue to issue. DC’s hardcover version of, “Jack Kirby’s The Losers”, contains every original comic in the series, and provides readers with a chance to read these classic stories from beginning to end. 

In this page, “‘Mile A Minute’ Jones” is sprinting across the battlefield, attempting to run down his Nazi foe at breakneck speeds. The six panels seen on this page have been laid out in a grid design, an organized format that has been “used to develop consistency in visual storytelling” (Panel Discussions). The simple page layout used by Kirby guides the reader’s eyes effortlessly through the dramatic chase scene that is taking place. Comic theorist Thierry Groensteen says that the “grid design of a comic page encourages the reader to try and make linkages between each panel” (Comics Theory Lectures). The square panels and tight, clean gutters make it easy for the reader to move from panel to panel, taking in both word and image at a fast-paced rate. Kirby uses moment-to-moment transitions, as well as short bursts of dialogue from the narrator in an effort to emphasize how fast the story’s events are taking place. 

The duration of time that passes on this page is “defined more by the contents of the panel rather than by the panel itself” (McCloud, 99). The reader is aware that the events in each panel are occurring swiftly because of the actions of the characters, as well as the language used by the narrator. “‘Mile A Minute’ Jones” is drawn in the first two panels of the page with his arms and legs pumping, kicking up pieces of grass as he sprints. His body language, coupled with “photographic streaking” (McCloud, 112) used in the final panel, cues the reader visually that the events are happening extremely quickly. The narrator’s use of phrases such as “The yards fly by..”, “Hard upon Bruno’s heels...”, and “For a fleeting second...” also convey how fast-paced the panel transitions truly are. This is a fantastic example of how a comic utilizes both word and image to convey information to its reader. 

Jack Kirby chooses to base this particular installment of, “Jack Kirby’s The Losers”,  on historical events that took place at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. The character of Henry “‘Mile A Minute’” Jones represents Jesse Owens, an “African American track star who won four gold medals” (Jesse Owens Biography) at those games. Owens performance countered Hitler’s belief in an “Aryan Supremacy”, as he defeated the Aryan Nazi athletes multiple times. “‘Mile A Minute’” Jones’ flashback sequence on this page is meant to take readers back in time and remind them of Owens’ triumph on the track. 

By using actual historical events to inspire his comics, Jack Kirby fosters a deeper meaning within them, making his fictional stories feel more tangible to readers. Drawing on Owens successes also sets expectations for the reader, as they now expect that the African American protagonist is going to chase down and defeat his Nazi foe. Here, Thierry Groensteen’s theory that “comics are a form that involves active reading on the part of the reader” (Comics Theory Lectures) is perfectly exemplified. Readers are drawing on their own prior knowledge to make this historical connection while reading Kirby’s work. 

“Jack Kirby’s The Losers” serves as an excellent example of why the readers of today should take the time to examine comic books. This work explores the action, heroics, violence, and cruelties of war through the adventures of four everyman type characters who represent all branches of the military. Kirby, a veteran of the Second World War, draws on his own combat experiences to add a sense of gritty realism to his fictional characters and their dangerous missions. As both the artist and writer of the comic, he successfully combines word and image to make the reader feel as though they are a part of the battle. The multidimensional reading experience Jack Kirby’s comic provides, as well as its easy to read narrative style, invites readers of all ages and skill levels to join in the adventure. 

Sources:

• Jacobs, Dale. “Comics Theory.” Weekly Classes. Memorial Hall, Windsor. 2 Oct. 2014. Lecture.

• McCloud, Scott. Understanding comics: the invisible art. New York: HarperPerennial, 1994. Print.

• Talon, Durwin S.. Panel discussions: design in sequential art storytelling. Raleigh, NC: TwoMorrows Pub., 2002. Print.

• "Jesse Owens' Biography." JesseOwens.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2014. <http://www.jesseowens.com/about/>.