GRAPHIC PROSE AS AN EXPERIMENT: UKRAINIAN DIMENSION

Abstract

Introduction. Introduction. In modern literature the orientation of society focus on visual assimilation of information take place, the new synthetic genres (including comics) that combine into one verbal and visual image are becoming more widespread. Today in Ukrainian literary theory genre and stylistic dominants of graphic prose only sporadically become the subject of a special study. The growing interest of society to the phenomenon of Ukrainian comics and graphic novel requires scientific researching. Purpose. Purpose of the article is to research the specificity of Ukrainian graphic prose. The logic of study involves solving the following tasks: to prove feasibility of referring of graphic prose to the array of experimental literature; to trace the genesis of stylistic interaction of graphics, drawings with verbal text; to describe the features of national code in Ukrainian comics. Originality. The article proved that in graphic prose an experimental technique is used. This technique comes from the genesis of L. Stern’s graphic experiments, avant-garde formal experiments. The appearance of pictured stories where artwork, graphics and text are beginning to draw up an indissoluble unity is a continuation of the artistic research of form. Searches caused by the development of scientific and technical progress, needs of modernization of literature and bringing it closer to the general reader. On the material of Ukrainian comics and graphic novels (I. Baranko, D. Koydan, A. Dankovych, D. Samovol, E. Pronin, L. Voronyuk, V. Nazarov, M. Tymoshenko, K. Gorishnyj, D. Fadeev, M. Prasolov, A. Chebykin, S. Zakharov, S. Mazurkiewicz) pointed out that the authors often turn to the Cossack past, the image of Cossack who, like the superhero, has exceptional ability; use adventure, detective, fantastic genre matrix.Results. The national specific of graphic prose provides for recourse to the genuine Ukrainian themes and images, the source of which is the epoch of Cossacks. In the Ukrainian outlook the Cossacks are the prototype of a national superhero. In this regard, it is advisable to talk about comics as a mythical narrative (remember U. Eco and his work “The Myth of Superman”), which gives the public an example to follow, accumulating patriotism. Comics for children “Ukrainian superheroes” by Lesya Voronyuk aims to use the educational potential of comic book, particularly patriotic. Superheroes in this has difficult, but usual for supermen task – to save Ukrainian world (Ukraine) from death and the triumph of evil forces. In opposition of positive and negative images we can see Ukrainian realities, including ATO. Simple plot, clear graphics, interactivity that gives the opportunity to paint comics, available to convey to the audience of children main idea – Good force always wins, the Ukrainians overcome any obstacles. The Ukrainian image of superhero is modeled in comic book “Patriots” (2016) by V. Nazarov. Cossack history finds expression in the comic “Victory. Saur-Grave” (2015) by Dennis Fadeyev. Here are modern and historical times are intertwining. Fighting for Saur-grave in summer of 2014 imposed on Cossack day. It is about turning a mediocre man on a courageous hero, heir of Cossack glory. The graphic novel “Maksym Osa” by I. Baranko was published in 2011. The historic surroundings, modernized detective component make the work exciting to read. I. Baranko skillfully builds a tense detective story, maintains the intrigue. Clever and observant Cossack Maksym Osa unravels the secret of treasure, finds the killer and save the innocent people. Maxim Osa represents a positive image of the Ukrainians, introduces foreign community with the best qualities of Ukrainian. By Cossack topics addressed and creative tandem of Maxim Prasolov (writer) and Alexej Chebykin (artist), creating a full-color adventure three-volume “Daohopak” ( 20120-2016). Authors’ of “graphic novel blockbuster” managed Cossack context present in popular “global and modern form”. In the work national mythological heritage that including the myths and legends about Cossacks magicians (Kharakternyky) is modernized. Besides entertainment graphic prose in Ukraine is a serious attempt to create a serious graphic novel, which combines art and documentary, autobiography narratives. “Hole” by S. Zakharov and S. Mazurkiewicz – is an artistic interpretation of the tragic experience of S. Zakharov’s being in captivity. Conclusion. Graphic prose by an organic combination of visual and verbal narratives is beyond the traditional methods of creation, which gives reason to talk about the identity of an array of experimental multimodal literature. Being extremely popular abroad, graphic prose in Ukraine gradually fills the empty gap formed in times of social realism, though its full development is not conducive because of the fullness of Ukrainian book market with Russian products. Comics in Ukraine are created on the base of Ukrainian classical and contemporary works. Cossack past is actualized in historical and mythological form. The experiencing adventure and detective genre matrix are used. In Ukrainian comics the image of superhero is formed that adjust society to positive.