Richard McGuire's innovative graphic novel 'Here' stands as a masterpiece of sequential art, depicting a single room's corner through different moments in time, spanning thousands of years. In this intimate interview, McGuire shares insights into his creative process and the literary influences that shaped his unique narrative approach.
The groundbreaking work, which expanded from its original 1989 six-page version in RAW magazine to a full-length graphic novel in 2014, revolutionized the way stories could be told in comics. McGuire's innovative use of nested panels within panels creates a mesmerizing temporal collage, allowing readers to experience multiple moments in history simultaneously.
When asked about his reading life, McGuire reveals the diverse influences that informed 'Here':
- The works of Jorge Luis Borges, particularly their exploration of time and infinity
- Architecture books that helped him understand space and perspective
- Scientific texts about geology and natural history
- Family archives and local historical records that provided authentic details for the story
The artist explains how his background in both illustration and music influenced the book's rhythm and visual flow. 'I approached the page layouts almost like musical compositions,' McGuire notes, 'with recurring themes and variations that create a sense of harmony across time.'
McGuire's revolutionary approach to storytelling has influenced countless artists and writers since its initial publication, cementing 'Here' as a landmark achievement in graphic literature that continues to challenge conventional narrative structures.
