3D comics have had an unusual history, rising and falling in popularity in step with technological fads. Over the years, three-dimensionality in comics has been associated with both stereoscopic effects and computer modeling. In each case, comics have responded to developments in technology and influences from new media.
The History of 3D Comics
Stereoscopic technology – creating the illusion of depth by presenting two slightly different images to each eye – has a long history. The first 3D photographs appeared in the mid-19th century, while 3D films were developed as early as the 1910s.
3D comics initially appeared during the 3D craze of the 1950s. At that time, television was seen as a threat to older media, such as cinema. 3D technology was reintroduced to help movies offer audiences something they couldn't get on TV.
The first 3D comics were published in Three Dimension Comics #1 (1953). The issue featured Mighty Mouse, was drawn by comics legend Joe Kubert, and sold over a million copies.
Major publishers, such as DC, EC, Harvey, and Archie Comics soon followed with 3D versions of their own titles. These usually came with a pair of now-iconic red and blue 3D glasses.
Within two years, however, the 3D comics fad died out. But there were still those enamoured of the idea of stereoscopic comic books, and the concept would have more than one revival.
The 3D Comics of Ray Zone
One of the most influential creators of 3D comics since the 1950s has been Ray Zone. Zone had been hooked by the first Mighty Mouse 3D comic, and had written articles on 3D by the early 1980s.
In 1982, Zone wrote The Battle for a Three-Dimensional World, a history of 3D in comic-book form. Jack Kirby drew the art that was later converted into 3D for the comic.
Ray Zone later set up his own company, The 3-D Zone, specializing in making 3D images. In 1987 Zone began a series, 3D Zone Presents, that reprinted classic comics in a 3D format. Stories by such masters as Wally Wood and Basil Wolverton were featured in early issues.
3D, CGI and Adult Comics
Since the 1990s, three-dimensionality has come to be associated with comics that are illustrated with computer-generated imagery. Batman: Digital Justice (1990) was a pioneer in the genre, though its visuals might seem crude to modern readers.
Most current 3D comics strive for a kind of photo-realism, rather than augmenting hand-drawn art with optical illusions. In that way, they are cousins of "photonovels," which were popular in the 1970s.
However, like other kinds of 3D comics, comics made with CGI are often little more than novelties. The proliferation of adult comics in 3D also keeps the genre from being taken seriously. Many of these comics are crude, putting stock models from rendering programs like Poser into fantasy situations.
The current fad for 3D movies and video games has led to some new interest in traditional 3D comics, and 3D CGI comics have their devotees. The latest 3D craze may or may not last. But if history is any indication, 3D comics of one sort or another will survive.
Luke Arnott - Luke Arnott has a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Western Ontario, where he is currently enrolled in the ...
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