Matthew Inman Analysis

One feature that Inman incorporates into this comic is the use of panel transitions. While most comics often have definite, square panels to depict each action, scene, moment, or subject, Inman does not have clearly outlined panels. The absence of thick, black boxes separating each thought allows for more interaction with the comic. Even though there are not any square panels, there are clear scene-to-scene transitions throughout. This is because the majority of the comic is describing things that the Blerch does or says to Matthew Inman. For instance, page three depicts two different scenes of the Blerch simply running behind Inman, and the Blerch running behind Inman while taunting him. This shows a clear transition across some amount

For example, page four describes all of the different things that the Blerch can be. It can be a sound that a tube of food makes when it is squeezed, it can be the shape of Inman’s stomach after he overeats, or it can be the act of being overly lazy. All of these descriptions using text are accompanied by drawings which convey nearly identical meanings that even incorporate the word “Blerch.” The use of this word in the actual image is considered to be a montage word-image relationship. Both duo-specific and montage word-image relationships are useful in making completely sure, by being somewhat redundant, that the reader understands Inman’s fear of the Blerch and how Inman believes that he and the Blerch are one being. Again, the word-image relationships contained in this comic are nearly identical to that of a children’s storybook in that when read by an adult, both are redundant when making sure the reader understands the main

As a whole, the comic’s illustrations are cartoonish. However, they are drawn to imitate how Matthew Inman really views himself. One critical thing that adds to the cartoonish element of the illustration style is the runner that represents Inman. He is illustrated as an overweight man with only four fingers. This is ironic because in real life, Inman is an intense marathon runner; therefore, he should not be at all overweight. Page four of the comic also greatly adds to the cartoonish illustrations. Instead of using a real brand of mayonnaise, Inman creates a fake brand based off of “Hellman’s.” While Inman’s character is an overweight marathon runner and a ridiculous fly-like creature follows him around everywhere, these vivid images are used to capture Inman’s true feelings and reveal to the reader why he runs. Another element of irony revealed in the illustration style is the Blerch itself. Ironically, the Blerch wears a sweatband as if to imply to the reader that it exercises often, even though it is a revolting blob. This really emphasizes the concept that Inman and the Blerch are the same being. In addition to these illustration elements, color is a crucial part of this comic. The majority of the colors used are different shades of gray and green. By using these types of colors so often, Inman creates an evil, dark, and somewhat sickening element to the comic.