Throughout this essay it will be discussed and considered whether the film ‘Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse’ and it is more recent sequel ‘Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse’ has started paving its own road that will change the current trajectory of animation due to its iconic and memorable style. This essay will also touch on things such as the live action remakes that have been popular among companies such as Disney. It will feature extensive research on different topics to cover different styles and types of animation to form a non-biased and informed point of view and will raise many questions such as if the modern creative industry still has a place for 2D animators and artists in the creation of film due to the domination of 3D and CGI animation.
If you are interested in art, films or both and have a passion or intrigue related to the creative media industry, you will have noticed the takeover of 3D modelling and animation in the more modern animated and film favourites and the increase in popularity of live action remakes of the hand drawn, 2D motion pictures we all grew up watching. In addition to this though, in 2018, you also probably noticed that the birth of the animated film ‘Spider-Man into The Spider-Verse’ caused the animation game to change and is forcing it to evolve to become something much more creative and imaginative allowing the artists to really show off what they can do.
Animation has been around for a long time. We started with devices such as the phenakistiscope (the very first widespread animation device) and have between then and now made astronomical advancements due to technology – to the point where we can animate and programme things that look like they’re from real life. Throughout 1930-1940 many now iconic, beloved characters were created and in turn the world of 2D animation really sprung to life. The first ever full-length animated film was crafted and put out into the world in 1937, this kicked off the universe of Disney films shaping childhoods and inspiring others. 53 years later, computerized 3D animation was born. Apple Computer Company produced a new method for creating 3D films and shortly after, Toy Story was created which was the first ever 3D animated full-length film and a massive success (not including the stop motion and Claymation films which are also wonderfully impressive). While 2D animation was still loved and treasured by millions, we are all aware of man's innate desire to invent and advance. In around 2009-2011 began what some would refer to as the ‘death’ of 2D animation as 3D animation had become advanced enough to take the reins.
To begin with, this really wasn’t an issue or even considered a necessarily negative thing. In fact, it can easily be argued and proven that a lot of the best animated films including the original ‘Toy Story’ are 3D animated. It is undeniable that 3D animation has come a long way since the beginning and has gone on created some of the most beautiful and artistically inspiring films in existence (some popular examples could include ‘Finding Nemo’, ‘Moana’, ‘Frozen’ and ‘Tangled’). However, while all these advancements in technology were taking place CGI had also evolved and become extremely dominant in films.
There are many conflicting opinions on modern CGI especially, and while there are many ways CGI enhances storytelling in films it has become a known point of view that modern CGI actually limits creativity and imagination in some ways. When will the creative industry answer the question of whether we should do these things just because we can and because technology allows us to? What is usually meant by this question when it is asked are things such as: Do we need all these live action remakes? Do we need to make everything look hyper realistic to the point where the characters lose their personalities and the features that make them traditionally iconic? Some examples of this could be the CGI versions of the characters Flounder and Sebastian - The Little Mermaid (2023) - or the animals and main characters from The Lion King (2019). The reason I mention these characters is because they are typically known for being in animated, emotional and well known scenes in the original 2D animated classics however, in these newer films these characters personalities and expressions kind of feel like an afterthought and are minimised a whole lot due to the major and arguably unnecessary focus on making things look as if they belong in the real world when these films are supposed to be all about fantasy and magic.
It must be mentioned that this report is by no means trying to convince people that one form of animation is superior to another as that is purely down to personal opinion and where one's interests lie. It is clear how much hard work and dedication goes into all forms of animation on a multidimensional level, however a valid point to be made and what should be taken away from this essay, if nothing else, is that just because 3D animation and CGI is now more dominant in the industry, 2D animation should not be forgotten and could even be incorporated more into predominantly 3D animated films to add style and personality, telling stories in a way that is creative and fresh but also pays homage to where we came from and the history of art and animation - This is exactly what Sony Animation have done with their Spider-Verse movies and exactly how they have started to pave their own unique road that others are beginning to follow instead of simply following the crowd.
"Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse" was created by combining computer 3D animation with a traditional, 2D, hand drawn comic style. Creators Phil Lord and Chris Miller wanted the film to have a unique style.
Within the art book for the movie, the introduction states "The technical team at Sony ImageWorks set out to recreate the tactile, granular feeling of graphic novels, even going as far as recreating the dot-printing process used in older comic books." A production designer who worked on the movie explained how the computer, when it comes to animation, does not by any means specialise in creating something such as what they planned to create. They wanted the audience to feel the artistry, as if turning a page in a comic book and this is not what the computer was created or designed to do, they are designed to simulate realism and do not have the same unique and beautiful power that the artists hand possesses.
Another quotation that can be pulled from this book is: "Computers do everything correctly associated with CG animation and you have the right geometry and perspective all of the time. What's interesting about art is all the imperfections that go hand in hand with a human creating things. We had to find a way to break things." and based off the multiple awards they won for the movies they have created, and the amount of people that became inspired and have started to pave their own paths just like they did, break things they did, in the best way possible many would suggest.
Featured below are some art and annotations from "Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse : The Art of The Movie"
In essence, from these book pages, quotes and images from practitioners it can be proven "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" set a new standard for animated films, encouraging other studios to push creative boundaries and deliver fresh, visually captivating, and narratively compelling experiences in their own projects.
Examples of studios that were evidently inspired by Sony's daring leap of faith with this movie include Paramount Pictures with their newfound style in their "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)" film and even Disney with their 100 year anniversary film "Wish" including some similar animation styles and techniques to Sony combining their classical traditional style from the old 2D animated movies with their more modern 3D animated style.
In conclusion, the ground breaking work by the animators and artists behind the Spider-Verse films undeniably shattered traditional animation norms. Their ability to craft a visually distinctive masterpiece not only left an ineraseable mark on the industry but also sparked a creative renaissance. This influence extended beyond the Spider-Verse franchise, reaching studios like Disney and prompting a much needed shift towards more inventive storytelling instead of just recreating the same movies because our technology has improved.
The Spider-Verse's success highlighted the potential of combining the nostalgic charm of traditional drawing with the cutting-edge capabilities of modern technology. This fusion has revived the animation landscape, providing artists with a newfound sense of style and freedom. The result is an exciting collaboration where artistic expression thrives, simultaneously pushing the boundaries of computer-generated imagery.
As we navigate this transformative era in animation, the marriage of traditional and technological elements creates a harmonious balance. This shift not only rejuvenates the art form but also opens up avenues for artists to explore uncharted territories. From a personal standpoint as an artist and avid animated film enthusiast, the evolving landscape holds immense promise. It reinstates the significance of 2D artists and animators, proving that their craft continues to have a vital and thriving role in the ever-evolving animation industry. The future of animation appears to be a dynamic fusion of the old and the new, promising a captivating journey for both creators and audiences alike.