For this next entry I am examining the graphic novel, Citizen Rex, written by brothers Mario and Gilbert Hernandez, and more specifically, the use of art style in conjunction with characterization in the sequence on page 66. In this multi-panel sequence the reader observes only four characters: the protagonist, Sergio Bauntin, his trusty robot, Hazel, three members of the Truth Takers, and Citizen Rex himself.
Looking at the character Sergio, the reader can see a perfect example of what Scott McCloud discusses in his book Understanding Comics. In terms of design, Sergio is a very simple character, his face has all the components one would expect on a typical human face, but none of these are very detailed. His beard in fact, may be his most distinct feature. Yet because of this, the reader is able to identify closer with the protagonist. As McCloud describes it, Sergio is very similar to the vague visual picture that a person keeps in their mind of themselves as they carry on a conversation with another person.
In a similar fashion, the appearance of the Truth Takers serves as a way to further separate the reader from these mysterious people. Although humanoid in shape, their obscured faces and gas mask like helmets severely de-humanize these characters, furthering the reader’s feeling of foreboding and mystery surrounding them.
Finally there is Rex himself. Like the Truth Takers he is also a humanoid and in the sections preceding this one he has appeared as a normal looking human. However in this sequence he has burst into flames, is missing an arm, and has most of his synthetic skin removed, showing the mechanical features hidden underneath. Much like the Truth Takers, Rex’s appearance serves to separate him from the audience. Although the reader can recognize him as a human, or rather a machine designed to look like a machine, the mechanical features of Rex put him into an area of mystery. The reader often questions whether Rex can be trusted. On one hand he seems, for the most part, to be trying to perform righteous actions. However his frightening appearance is difficult to get past and his presence in sequences always leads to a feeling of ambiguity as to his true intentions.
Discussion question: How else do the Hernandez brothers use appearance of their characters to add to the story?
