Finding Compelling Stories in Apocalyptic Fiction
The stories which seem the most gripping and compelling will invariably change as the world does. Still, several themes tend to play out over the arcs of history, such as surviving the apocalypse or living in the world that is left. These narratives thrive in popular fiction in many alternative timelines or historical settings. The latest ones are graphic novels and comic books such as the recent Image Comics series The Redcoat and Junkyard Joe, both set in the same universe as the popular Geiger series.
Playing With Inevitability
Creators like Geoff Johns like to play with the idea of inevitability and the fact that nothing lasts forever when creating compelling settings for their characters and adventures. One of the reasons why apocalyptic fiction remains popular is that it, like the horror genre, preys on the fears and insecurities of the reader. Finding a rugged survivor, living or even thriving in a destroyed world, offers readers a glimpse of how to confront and push through those fears.
Almost Familiar Landscapes
Part of how post-apocalyptic fiction, in particular, pulls readers in and keeps them engaged is by setting the story in a familiar landscape that has been drastically changed. While novels have to tread a fine line between placing familiar landmarks in the story and using a description that fits the setting, graphic novels, and comic books can largely ignore these world icons in text and show them in the background. The Redcoat comic promises to pull audiences into the story by tying the titular character both to the American Revolution and the Unnamed War responsible for changing the world from the familiar to the foreign.
Interesting Characters
Characters like Junkyard Joe and The Redcoat draw readers in both with interesting sounding backstories and with vague origins, which are a mystery for the reader to solve. Learning how the characters earned their names, are connected to the larger universe, and even how their lives progress can give readers something to relate to as they push through their struggles. These characters are also compelling to the human spirit trying to overcome fears and insecurities by reading how others survive.
Apocalyptic fiction is in the collected works of each generation because of the compelling characters, almost familiar settings, and portrayal of human fears and insecurities. This genre includes stories leading up to the apocalypse, showing how to survive it, or being set in a world already changed. Current pop culture sees apocalyptic graphic novels and comic books thriving as Image Comics releases compelling new series.
