The idea of the “infinite canvas” McCloud presents is an interesting one, not because I think that’s what the future of comics is, but because of how most online comics seem to entirely ignore that possibility. Most popular webcomics (XKCD, cyanide and happiness, scarygoround) stick to the more conventional format of comics. Really, most webcomics aren’t considered “successful” until they have an actual, physical version of their comics out in the world (Hark! A Vagrant, MegaTokyo, Scott Pilgrim). Really, the conundrum McCloud has about comics maintaining the status quo is in no way unique. I simply think he is looking at how he thinks comics should expand and experiment in the wrong way. More and more, comics are using methods that can only but utilized in the digital sphere in their writing. For instance, the popular Homestuck uses a more interactive way to telling its story. It includes multiple .gifs, which I still consider to be comics rather than cartoons. It’s still distinctly a comic, but it definitely is starting to blend the line of conventionality and technology.

Additionally, Homestuck is popular as all hell despite these new usages of .gifs and other interactive measures. What struck me about the the interactive media presents was first, I had never heard of them (minus Jason Nelson, to whom I was introduced to by Prof. Sample in a previous class). In other words, their style of interactivity is not attracting general readership. While this is not an indicator of style or value, it does make it clear that these risks are not paying off their creators, a serious concern if these creators want any sort of remunerations for their work and efforts. All of these interactive media projects seemed to lack any clear storyline, which more conventional comics definitely have, which easily draws the read in. There isn’t any sort of cohesive narrative, no matter how interesting and challenging the piece it. It simply will not have any larger commercial value unless it can be monetize,d which more conventional webcomics have been able to do.

Also, unlike McCloud suggestions of an unlimited canvas, these projects all have very clear limits. They work within a clearly defined space. While that space and those boundaries are a little weird, they aren’t so distressing that they become unnavigable. They follow certain conventional for internet sites, even as they break down storytelling conventions. Of course, this break down is exactly why they marketable to a larger commercial audience, unlike other topical webcomics.