After Thoughts of The Arrival

      Arrival is a comic story from Shuan Tan that contains no words. Because of that, every character's expression, interaction and conversation are conveied through action and illustration. The story is about a man escaps to a new place with his "family" in the suitcase, because terrible thing happens to his hometown. Throughout the entire comic, there are visiable symbles that seem like words, but these symbles can not be recongnize. The new place is full of strange things and rituals, and the protagonist can only draw out or act out what he wants in order to communicate with others. The layout of this comic is very unique: close up shots are usually being drawn in a square box; long shots are usually being drawn in a rectangular box. Plus the illustration, composition, and design, this comic has the style of fantasy.
        I found myself related to the protagonist. This entire story is similar to my own experience. I am from another country as well. When I first came to America, I did not know English. The way to communicated with others was so limited for me. I also had to act out or draw out what I intended. In addition, seeing and celebrating new rituals were very strange to me. In the comic, protagonist sees these strange buildings, foods, and animals. That is fantasizing the experience of an immigrant, and making it even more relatable to him/her by over presenting the idea of strange.

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