The Definition of Literature

Alan Moore's 'Light of Thy Coutenance' is the definition of literature, it is simply presented in a different medium. The detailed descriptions of the conflicts of characters the 'TV' encompasses is poetic in its mystery. Identifying The narrator of the literary comic can take sometime for the reader. The panel by panel drawings with vibrant colors depicting the history of TV in motion, are clues to understanding the convoluted dialogue. The narrator, TV, knows that it is an omnipotent deity that is fast becoming worshiped by the masses.

Unlike '21 Steps,' a story that tries to use Google Earth to fill-in-the-blanks of the reader's imagination, 'Light of Thy Counteance' effectively uses a different medium to convey a literary work of art. If the comic-book medium were to remove and 'Light of Thy Counteance' were convey in a traditional format, it could be labeled as a confusing, mysterious and poetic story that could be interpreted in numerous different ways without a focused scope. The addition of detailed pictures and the panel by panel depictions of character actions, allows the reader to focus his imagination in order to correctly receive Moore's message.

The general idea that television is replacing everything from relationships to religion is conveyed by illustrated panels while important dialogue is interspersed between various images. The man carelessly pushing away his real partner in favor for the television counterpart is emphasized and detailed by the panel by panel. His slow approach towards the TV with the expression of lust is illustrated in such a manner to emphasize Moore's point. Also, the one page church scene underlines the overall narrative, that TV is fast becoming a deity that all of humanity worships.

The comic book medium that Alan Moore employs in an exclusive fashion, adds to the reader's understanding and appreciation of the plot. Without that medium, the words would become a disjointed mystery that could not be salvaged into a meaningful message. Alan Moore's literary work is the definition of literature, it is simply told in a manner which enhances the reading experience.