These are strong words that I do not take lightly, there is a definite difference between something simply irritating and something worthy of scorn and hatred.
Firstly, the set was the largest created in it's time. The choice to revert to a soundstage was against the trend of many peer titles at the time, as they were often viewed as overtly fake on screen. However, the set is extremely convincing, the Outlook is styled to appear like a deco-70s mash of history with an unrelenting maze of corridors. Keen viewers have noted that the floor plan does not actually make a lick of sense, and the most fanatical analysts have discovered that there are innumerable furniture inconsistencies, which have been interpreted as deliberate reflections of the haunted location. While many horror films create locations full of obvious malice (such as the generic cabin in the woods, or spooky castles) Kubrick took a hotel and visually subverted into a place of foreboding.
The illustrations were developed by Kevin O'Neill, previously best known for 2000 AD. He has a keen eye for the grotesque, and the ability to distort facial expressions and figures to the point of monstrosity. This certainly came in handy when dealing with figures such as the Jekyll and Hyde, or even Nemo. The practical technique used faithfully reflects the Victorian line-drawn aesthetic which reinforces the contemporary language and tone. It also effortlessly unifies the characters (quite alien from each other) into a single universe. O'Neill also layers a great deal of referential detail and hints within the limitations of the panel-based graphic novel, without cluttering the frame or distracting the reader.
+ Hergé, 1934-1945, Tintin: The Blue Lotus
For me, this book shows a growth in maturity and independence for Hergé.
He actively investigated the Chinese setting and it's populace, while in previous books Hergé had sided with the racist characterisation of the Chinese as cruel barbarians.
Hergé was put in contact with two Chinese students who tutored him in calligraphy and various Chinese illustrative styles and philosophies. This cultural exchange resulted in a fleshed-out thriving location within the book, and influenced his later works. The book is now viewed as milestone, the first book in which he spoke with his own voice and expressed his true moral and political feelings, instead of repeating the same bigotry and assumed truth. This can be seen in the precise imagery, all of which spiralled off solid research. The architecture and setting feels lived in, while the crowds are diverse and relatable.
- Chris Costello, 1982, Papyrus (typeface), UK, Letraset
Aesthetically the thin spindly letter forms are quite hideous. There's something in the inconsistent texture of the letters which inspire true hatred, we now associate the font with forced 'kitsch' and generic lazy design. Dingy cafes or cheap products use it, having selected the first old looking font on their default list. Having printed it out and smacked on the point of sale it does nothing for the product. It reeks of unprofessionalism, it's illegible at a good distance as it blurs into hideous spider-like wibbly line forms. I hate it.
- O2, "Be More Dog" Campaign, UK
I don't even know what they're trying to sell. They have failed to inspire me to give them money for their services. This is part of the current relentless wave of advertising which attempts to achieve viral-levels of infamy. They've gone about it without imagination or creativity. I can picture the session which inspired this monstrosity, they took a look at what people like. People like cats, cats are funny and get all the hits on Youtube, so they stuck a cat in it. They also looked at the trending philosophy of living in the moment, that appears to be the focus of the advert. Perhaps the conclusion we must draw is that we're not really living unless we're on some form of O2 contract. We're dead, socially inept consumers otherwise. In-fact I have noticed many adverts demonising non-conformists and enforcing the consumerist ideal of someone who goes out, and empties their wallet.
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