Adaptation

Abstract

Abstract The prevalence of the verbal and pictorial dimensions of comics has contributed to a number of adaptations where comics, paired with works of literature or film, are either the source (the adaptation proceeds from comic to x) or adaptation (the adaptation proceeds from x to comic). Notable differences among these art forms spring from differences in their respective media. Because of the characteristic narrative devices produced by comics media, a number of theorists have suggested that adaptation into or out of comics is impossible. After giving prominent examples of such arguments, the view is defended that perfect viability of adaptation into or out of comics is unachievable, but that adaptation is not thereby futile or impossible in any strong sense of the term. Moreover, there are notable similarities among the media of comics and film. These are explained and used to support the conclusion that comics are especially apt, in comparison to works of literature and theater, for adaptation into film.