A siren's tale : exploring visual narrative through an adaptation of a Maltese folklore tale

Abstract

The aim of this study is that of exploring a graphic sequential narrative that concerns a sequential art adaptation of the Maltese mythological tale ‘Is-Sirena tal-Isla’ (the Siren of Isla). The discussions addressed in this project-based research will tackle theories of sequential art as propogated by Scott McCloud, Will Eisner and others. Maltese folklore and 19th century Maltese landscape paintings were also researched to adapt this tale. This study also explores sequential narratives within a digital space in order to observe how the art from changes within the medium. A number of qualitative research methods were used within the process of completing the final project. One-to-one interviews were also carried out in order to enrichen the research and eventual storyline. A loose script based on my own interpretation of the narrative was used as a reference when creating the final project. The resulting graphic narrative will be presented in both a physical printed format as well as on an online web-based platform.