Post by Crom-Cruach on Nov 5, 2010 19:00:11 GMT -5
This thread is spin-off of the "character misconception'" thread where the topic of fan-service has come up. Since we are all mature adults, mostly...
I thought I'd give some thoughts as to what I think on the subject and maybe a discussion may start.
Speaking on my reading experience, I generally disaprove of fan-service yet have absolutely nothing against nudity and depictions of sexual congress and such.
This is mostly because to me they are not at all the same thing. Fan service for me is the purposeful depiction of characters in sexually suggestive or arousing manners to provoke lust, interest etc. And to me it strikes me as a cheap and terribly primitive way of garnering a reader's interest, an appeal to the lowest common denominator.
By contrast, nudity and depictions of sexual congress themselves can actually be great narrative devices, provided they are handled with care. A good example is in Belgian, French comics aimed at adults. In such comics, it is fairly common for characters to be shown topless and ratings of comics with such things are not rated like they would be in America. Mostly this is because culturally speaking toplessness is not seen in the same light there as in the U.S.
As such when characters are depicted this way it is generally done deliberately to show that a character is in fact very sexual and sexy in his mannerisms or in a off-put casual manner, because breasts are not taboo in France and Belgium like they are in america. If a married couple is talking while the wife is dressing, then seeing her topless is a non-issue and seen as perfectly normal.
In the same vein, a graphic description of sex is not uncommon all told but they are not inserted for the purpose of fan service. This is because the purpose of showing the sexual congress is not just to show them having sex. But because the how, the thoughts of the characters and the manner by which the scene is conducted serves as way of establishing the relationship between characters as well as their state of mind.
And to me, that is good. Sex is powerful in imagery and in turn. The presentation can really help character development. Two characters who are deeply in love but have never had the courage to express such feelings might well be served when they first do so by being drawn in a manner that suggests slow, passionate and unsure physical congress. And by showing us this, it can serve as to show us that their relationship has changed for the better... finally.
By contrast, a furious romp with two characters barely talking and simply ripping each others clothes off and drawn in a more... bestial manner if you will can be a great way to show how their mutual attraction is toxic and based only on physical desires.
Just some thoughts on the subject.
I thought I'd give some thoughts as to what I think on the subject and maybe a discussion may start.
Speaking on my reading experience, I generally disaprove of fan-service yet have absolutely nothing against nudity and depictions of sexual congress and such.
This is mostly because to me they are not at all the same thing. Fan service for me is the purposeful depiction of characters in sexually suggestive or arousing manners to provoke lust, interest etc. And to me it strikes me as a cheap and terribly primitive way of garnering a reader's interest, an appeal to the lowest common denominator.
By contrast, nudity and depictions of sexual congress themselves can actually be great narrative devices, provided they are handled with care. A good example is in Belgian, French comics aimed at adults. In such comics, it is fairly common for characters to be shown topless and ratings of comics with such things are not rated like they would be in America. Mostly this is because culturally speaking toplessness is not seen in the same light there as in the U.S.
As such when characters are depicted this way it is generally done deliberately to show that a character is in fact very sexual and sexy in his mannerisms or in a off-put casual manner, because breasts are not taboo in France and Belgium like they are in america. If a married couple is talking while the wife is dressing, then seeing her topless is a non-issue and seen as perfectly normal.
In the same vein, a graphic description of sex is not uncommon all told but they are not inserted for the purpose of fan service. This is because the purpose of showing the sexual congress is not just to show them having sex. But because the how, the thoughts of the characters and the manner by which the scene is conducted serves as way of establishing the relationship between characters as well as their state of mind.
And to me, that is good. Sex is powerful in imagery and in turn. The presentation can really help character development. Two characters who are deeply in love but have never had the courage to express such feelings might well be served when they first do so by being drawn in a manner that suggests slow, passionate and unsure physical congress. And by showing us this, it can serve as to show us that their relationship has changed for the better... finally.
By contrast, a furious romp with two characters barely talking and simply ripping each others clothes off and drawn in a more... bestial manner if you will can be a great way to show how their mutual attraction is toxic and based only on physical desires.
Just some thoughts on the subject.
