European comic format
alku. 11.7.2023
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_comics
European comics are comics produced in Europe. The comic album is a very common printed medium. The typical album is printed in large format, generally with high quality paper and colouring, commonly 24x32 cm, has around 48–60 pages, but examples with more than 100 pages are common. While sometimes referred to as graphic novels, this term is rarely used in Europe, and is not always applicable as albums often consist of separate short stories, placing them somewhere halfway between a comic book and a graphic novel. The European comic genres vary from the humorous adventure vein, such as The Adventures of Tintin and Asterix, to more adult subjects like Tex Willer, Diabolik, and Thorga
The European, American, and Japanese comics traditions have followed different paths. Europeans have seen their tradition as beginning with the Swiss Rodolphe Töpffer from as early as 1827 and Americans have seen the origin of theirs in Richard F. Outcault's 1890s newspaper strip The Yellow Kid, though many Americans have come to recognize Töpffer's precedence. Japan has a long history of satirical cartoons and comics leading up to the World War II era.
https://makingcomics.spiltink.org/pgtemplates/
European comics typically come hard bound, and 21×30 cm. That’s 21 : 29
Most Belgian and European comics/BD are published in this format. It’s widely used around Quebec as well. And it provides for a bit more variety of page layout I think. it’s not quite as tall as the american comics dimensions, but often printed larger so really think of it as wider. Makes for great cinematic panels. and diversity in page flow. ED: It’s been a while since i made that but as I recall I found the measurements looking up online and cross checking against BD that I own, if you’re publishing with a printer used to the format check with them for their pref, but otherwise think it’s still fairly accurate? FYI for this and all the others outside of the US standard for which I own preprinted examples, I extrapolated the bleed and safe areas based on general printing averages. Bleed is always an additional 0.125″, or .25″ in total page width. And safe is about the same inside the crop line really but 1 cm or .5″ is typically about comic page margins but your millage may vary. I like using a wider margin myself.
European comic
alkup. 24.7.2024
"Paul continued by suggesting that it is certainly a challenge not being able to impose a clearly defined “Euro comics” label on the world. Instead it comes down to individual works finding their audience outside their culture." https://www.europecomics.com/thing-european-comics/
Modern
The roots of European on-paper comics date back to 18th century caricatures (mocking others styles or behaviors) by artists such as William Hogarth. The early 19th century Swiss artist Rodolphe Töpffer is regarded by many as the "father of the modern comic" and his publication Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois (1837) is sometimes called the first "comic book".
Other precursors include illustrated picture books such as Wilhelm Busch's Max and Moritz (1865).
Franco-Belgian comics, Spanish comics, and Italian comics are historically amongst the dominant scenes of European comics.
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The European, American, and Japanese comics traditions have followed different paths. Europeans have seen their tradition as beginning with the Swiss Rodolphe Töpffer from as early as 1827 and Americans have seen the origin of theirs in Richard F. Outcault's 1890s newspaper strip The Yellow Kid, though many Americans have come to recognize Töpffer's precedence. Japan has a long history of satirical cartoons and comics leading up to the World War II era.
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Finland
Professori Itikaisen tutkimusretki (Professor Itikainen's Research Expedition) by Ilmari Vainio, which appeared on November 21, 1911, is considered first Finnish comic book
https://metsastajan-sydan.blogspot.com/2023/07/european-comic-format.html
Pre-modern
Earlier, paintings, depicting stories in subsequent frames, using descriptive text resembling bubbles-text, were used in murals, one such example is written in Greek, dating to the 2nd century and found in Capitolias, today in Jordan.
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Medieval
viking animation from nordics
The animations were not made in the Nordic countries, but the original book is Swedish.
wheat & rye color palette
rye color palette
wheat color palette
| Color | Hex | RGB |
|---|---|---|
| #553d3a | (85,61,58) | |
| #98694d | (152,105,77) | |
| #c09061 | (192,144,97) | |
| #e8c48e | (232,196,142) | |
| #e9dbc6 | (233,219,198) |
Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld & the first complete passage of the Northeast Passage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vega_Expedition
Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (born in Finland but exiled to Sweden many years before the expedition) made the first complete passage of the Northeast Passage, leading the Vega expedition from west to east.
Suomen tunnetuimpia tiedemiehiä
kärsin piirtäjän "samat kasvot" syndroomasta joten töhertelin tiedemiehiä karikatyyrimäisesti
Finland's most famous scientists
I suffered from the draughtsman's "same face" syndrome, so I caricatured the scientists
Esko Valtaoja, Teuvo Kohonen, A.I. Virtanen, Edward Westermarck, A. E. Nordenskiöld
Mistral AI:
Explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld is often considered perhaps the most iconic scientist in Finland. He was a polar explorer and the first person to sail the Northeast Passage or the northern sea route from Europe to Asia on his ship Vega in 1878–1879. Nordenskiöld was already celebrated during his lifetime in both Finland and Sweden, and he is known as one of the best-known and most respected scientists throughout Finland. His trips and scientific work have left a lasting mark on the history of Finnish and international science (yle.fi).
Another strong candidate for iconic scientist is Artturi Ilmari Virtanen, who received the Nobel prize in chemistry in 1945. Virtanen's inventions, such as AIV beef salt and AIV feed, have been significant both in Finland and in the world, and he is remembered as one of Finland's most influential and well-known scientists (paivyri.fi).
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"However, it was only in 1878-79 that Fenno-Swedish explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (born in Finland but exiled to Sweden many years before the expedition) made the first complete passage of the Northeast Passage, leading the Vega expedition from west to east. The ship's captain on this expedition was Lieutenant Louis Palander of the Swedish Royal Navy."
keräilemän päivitys
The Erotic Art of Wallace Wood
Nighte - yes
Chika - Suomi friikin päiväkirja - Japanilainen joka rakastui Suomeen
Chika - Suomi friikin päiväkirja - Kuinka päädyin sushikokiksi Helsinkiin
Mustanaamio nro 18/2002
Thorgal 2 - jäämerten saari
Kevyt Metalli
Mega-Marvel : nro5/1997 Purppurahämämäkki (Scarlet Spider)
One Piece 103-105
Ravintola maailmojen välillä 3-5 (異世界食堂 Isekai Shokudō)
The Völunga Saga vol 3
Nighte - yes
Chika - Suomi friikin päiväkirja - Japanilainen joka rakastui Suomeen
Chika - Suomi friikin päiväkirja - Kuinka päädyin sushikokiksi Helsinkiin
Mustanaamio nro 18/2002
Thorgal 2 - jäämerten saari
Kevyt Metalli
Mega-Marvel : nro5/1997 Purppurahämämäkki (Scarlet Spider)
One Piece 103-105
Ravintola maailmojen välillä 3-5 (異世界食堂 Isekai Shokudō)
The Völunga Saga vol 3
MistralAI: limits of individual action
https://metsastajan-sydan.blogspot.com/2025/11/mistralai-antagonistic-forces-for.html
The limits of individual action is a powerful and thematically rich conflict for a character like Eero Kallio—someone who embodies , and a belief in personal responsibility. Exploring this theme forces both the character and the player to grapple with the tension between personal agency and collective change. Here’s how you might weave this into your game’s narrative, gameplay, and character development:
Mistral AI: Nurmes Public Image
Comprehensive Analysis of the Public Image and Reputation of Nurmes, Finland
- Nurmes is historically and culturally significant, strongly associated with Karelian heritage.
- The town is perceived as a charming, nature-rich destination with a strong cultural identity, but also faces stereotypes of remoteness and limited amenities.
- Economically, Nurmes is seen as a resilient and growing rural center with key industries in wood, metal, and food processing, and emerging opportunities in green industries.
- Demographically, Nurmes has an aging population and is viewed as a peaceful rural retreat, with cultural festivals and traditions enhancing its social fabric.
- Politically, Nurmes is not widely profiled but benefits from a stable local governance and regional integration within North Karelia.
Introduction
Nurmes, a municipality in North Karelia, Finland, with a population of approximately 8,900, occupies a unique place in Finnish cultural, historical, and economic landscapes. This report presents a multifaceted analysis of Nurmes’ public image and reputation, drawing on historical context, cultural heritage, media portrayals, economic perceptions, social dynamics, political landscape, and comparative positioning among similar Finnish municipalities. The analysis synthesizes Finnish-language primary sources, municipal data, and regional perspectives to provide a nuanced understanding of how Nurmes is perceived both locally and externally.
Historical and Cultural Image
Nurmes’ identity is profoundly shaped by its historical legacy and cultural heritage. Nurmes’ cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Karelian heritage and historical development. The town’s old market area features well-preserved wooden housing estates dating from the 1880s to the 1930s, reflecting its historical role as a regional center. The town’s designation as Finland’s Christmas Song City (since 2005) and European Christmas Song City (2009) underscores its cultural vibrancy and festive traditions, particularly around music and seasonal celebrations. These cultural elements contribute to Nurmes’ image as a hub of heritage and tradition, rather than merely a remote rural town.
However, Nurmes also carries stereotypes of being a remote or “forgotten” region, partly due to its geographical location in eastern Finland and its historical development trajectory. The town’s population has aged, and younger generations have migrated to larger cities, reinforcing perceptions of Nurmes as a place of stagnation or decline. These stereotypes, while rooted in demographic trends, fail to fully capture the town’s cultural richness and economic resilience.
Media and Public Sentiment
Media portrayals of Nurmes emphasize its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community spirit. Local and regional Finnish media (e.g., Karjalainen, Savon Sanomat) highlight Nurmes’ scenic landscapes, including its lakes, forests, and wildlife, positioning it as a haven for nature lovers and outdoor activities. The town’s cultural events, such as the Nurmes Summer Music festival and Christmas Song City celebrations, are frequently covered, reinforcing its image as a culturally vibrant community.
Social media and online forums (e.g., Reddit, Facebook groups) reflect a generally positive sentiment toward Nurmes, with residents and visitors praising its peaceful atmosphere, friendly locals, and cultural offerings. However, some discussions note limitations in infrastructure, amenities, and economic opportunities compared to larger urban centers. These critiques are often contextualized within broader challenges facing rural Finland, such as depopulation and limited services.
Tourism marketing and travel guides emphasize Nurmes’ outdoor activities, including hiking in Koli National Park and the Ukko-Koli trail, as well as its cultural festivals and Karelian heritage sites like the Bomba house. These portrayals align with local narratives but sometimes gloss over the town’s economic and demographic challenges.
Economic and Development Reputation
Nurmes’ economy is perceived as diverse and resilient, with key sectors including wood processing, metal and mechanical engineering, and food industries. The town’s Green Industry Area (GIA) represents a modern business district focused on bio-based chemical products, signaling Nurmes’ adaptation to emerging green economy trends. The presence of six major metal industry companies, known collectively as the “Metal Fist,” underscores its industrial strength and long-term economic stability.
The town’s largest employers include the municipal government and the regional healthcare joint authority (Siun sote), alongside cooperative retail businesses. This economic structure reflects Nurmes’ role as a regional service and industrial center. Recent years have seen economic growth and increased construction activity, partly driven by favorable conditions for trade and industry, as well as strategic location advantages.
Within regional development discussions in North Karelia and eastern Finland, Nurmes is viewed as a municipality with potential for growth, particularly in sustainable industries and tourism. EU-funded projects and municipal strategies have aimed to enhance infrastructure and economic diversification, which have gradually shifted perceptions of Nurmes from a stagnant rural town to a place of opportunity and innovation.
Social and Demographic Perceptions
Nurmes’ demographic profile is characterized by an aging population, with a significant proportion of residents over 65 years old, and a low population density of 3.72 inhabitants per square kilometer. This reflects broader Finnish rural trends of urbanization and aging populations. The town is perceived as a peaceful and quiet place, attractive to retirees and those seeking a rural lifestyle away from urban centers.
Culturally, Nurmes is viewed as a community with a strong sense of identity and solidarity, fostered by its rich heritage and traditional festivals. The town’s cultural events, such as the Nurmes Summer Music festival, serve as focal points for community cohesion and cultural expression, reinforcing a positive social image despite demographic challenges.
Nurmes’ connection to Karelian culture and its historical role as a center of trade and administration further enrich its social fabric. The town’s environmental and cultural initiatives, such as solstice and harvest festivals, highlight a community deeply tied to its natural surroundings and heritage.
Political and Administrative Image
Nurmes’ political landscape is not extensively profiled in public discourse, but the town benefits from stable local governance and a strong sense of local identity rooted in its cultural and historical heritage. The town’s cultural significance contribute to a positive political image, emphasizing local pride and community values.
Within the broader context of Finnish rural politics, Nurmes fits into the pattern of municipalities balancing local autonomy with regional integration. There are no widely reported controversies or scandals that significantly impact its political reputation, suggesting a relatively stable and consensus-oriented local governance.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to similar rural municipalities in North Karelia and eastern Finland, such as Lieksa and Ilomantsi, Nurmes stands out for its unique cultural heritage and historical associations. While all these towns face similar challenges of aging populations and economic restructuring, Nurmes’ strong cultural identity, particularly its association with Christmas Song City status, gives it a distinctive reputation.
Nurmes’ economic diversification and strategic location also differentiate it from some peers. The town’s role as a regional service and industrial center, combined with its cultural tourism appeal, positions it favorably in regional development narratives. However, like other rural Finnish municipalities, Nurmes must navigate the tensions between preserving heritage and adapting to modern economic and demographic realities.
Conclusion
Nurmes’ public image and reputation are multifaceted, shaped by its rich historical and cultural heritage, economic resilience, and social dynamics. The town is widely recognized for its association with its cultural festivals, which enhance its identity as a heritage-rich community. Media and public sentiment generally portray Nurmes as a charming, nature-rich destination with a strong cultural fabric, although stereotypes of remoteness and limited amenities persist.
Economically, Nurmes is viewed as a growing and diversified rural center with potential in green industries and tourism. Demographically, it faces challenges common to rural Finland, including an aging population and outmigration, but maintains a strong sense of community identity. Politically, Nurmes is perceived as stable and locally proud, without significant controversies.
Comparatively, Nurmes’ unique cultural and historical associations set it apart from similar municipalities, positioning it favorably within regional development narratives. Overall, Nurmes’ reputation is one of resilience, cultural richness, and local pride, balanced against the realities of rural life in contemporary Finland.
Key Data Tables
Sentiment Analysis of Nurmes’ Public Image
| Dimension | Positive Perceptions | Neutral/Ambiguous Perceptions | Negative Perceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical & Cultural | Christmas Song City, cultural festivals, heritage sites | Remote location, aging population | Stereotypes of being “forgotten” or stagnant |
| Media & Public | Natural beauty, cultural events, community spirit | Limited amenities, infrastructure gaps | Perceptions of limited opportunities |
| Economic | Diverse industries, Green Industry Area, growth | Economic restructuring challenges | Limited services compared to cities |
| Social & Demographic | Strong community identity, cultural traditions | Aging population, outmigration | Perceptions of rural decline |
| Political | Stable governance, local pride | Limited political visibility | No major controversies |
Comparative Table: Nurmes vs. Similar Municipalities
| Municipality | Population (2025) | Population Density (inhabitants/km²) | Key Industries | Cultural Significance | Economic Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurmes | 8,924 | 3.72 | Wood, metal, food processing, green industry | Christmas Song City | Growing, diversified |
| Lieksa | ~11,000 | ~4.5 | Forestry, tourism, services | Karelian culture, historical sites | Stable, tourism-focused |
| Ilomantsi | ~5,000 | ~2.5 | Agriculture, forestry | Traditional Karelian heritage | Declining population, economic challenges |
This report provides a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of Nurmes’ public image and reputation, integrating historical, cultural, economic, social, and political dimensions to present a balanced and nuanced portrait of the municipality.
sources
- https://citiesoffinland.com/nurmes-finland/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g667564-Activities-Nurmes_North_Karelia.html
- https://citiesoffinland.com/nurmes-finland/
- https://www.aramfo.org/blogs/post/Understanding-Local-Festivals-and-Traditions
- https://vanha.nurmes.fi/en/web/nurmes_en/history
- https://www.nurmes.fi/en/web/nurmes_en/business-life
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nurmes
hunting, gutswaste
burning intestine depend local rules
or just taken to a waste center in a bag
MistralAI: antagonistic forces for protagonist with ISTP personality, nordic-finnish heroism, and liberal central-right political view with nordic model influence
For a protagonist like Eero Kallio—an ISTP with —the antagonistic forces should challenge his pragmatism, independence, and belief in balanced progress. These forces should threaten the Nordic way of life, exploit systemic vulnerabilities, or force him to confront the limits of his individualism. Here are some compelling antagonistic forces, each designed to test different facets of his character and worldview:
1. The
Who: A multinational corporation (e.g., a tech, energy, or pharmaceutical giant) led by a charismatic but ruthless CEO. Motivation: Profit at any cost, exploiting Nordic resources, labor, or data while undermining the social contract.
Conflict:
- Environmental Destruction: Illegal mining, deforestation, or pollution, threatening local communities and the protagonist’s homeland.
- Labor Exploitation: Outsourcing jobs, underpaying workers, or using gig economy loopholes to erode workers’ rights.
- Political Influence: Lobbying to weaken regulations, bribing officials, or manipulating media to sway public opinion.
- Forces Eero to choose between personal freedom (letting people fend for themselves) and collective action (protecting the community).
- Tests his distrust of big systems—can he work with institutions to stop the corporation, or must he act alone?
Example: A company like "Nordic Volt" builds a dam that floods a village, displacing families and poisoning the water supply. Eero must decide whether to sabotage the dam (risking legal consequences) or expose the corruption through legal channels (risking failure).
2. The
Who: A rising political figure, perhaps a far-right or far-left extremist, who exploits public discontent with the Nordic model. Motivation: Power and ideology—blaming immigrants, elites, or "globalists" for societal problems.
Conflict:
- Divisive Rhetoric: Sows discord, turning communities against each other and eroding trust in democratic institutions.
- Authoritarian Tendencies: Uses crises to justify expanded police powers, censorship, or scapegoating.
- Challenges Eero’s belief in balance—does he fight the demagogue directly (risking martyrdom) or undermine their support by addressing the root causes of discontent?
- Forces him to confront his own biases—does he dismiss the demagogue’s followers as fools, or try to understand their grievances?
Example: A politician like "Jussi Valtava" promises to "restore order" by dismantling welfare programs and restricting immigration. Eero must expose Valtava’s ties to foreign interests while addressing the legitimate fears of his supporters.
3. The
Who: A high-ranking government official or civil servant who abuses their power for personal gain. Motivation: Greed, ideology, or simply maintaining the status quo.
Conflict:
- Systemic Corruption: Embezzlement, nepotism, or suppressing whistleblowers.
- Incompetence: Ignoring crises (e.g., a failing healthcare system) to avoid political fallout.
- Forces Eero to navigate the system he distrusts—does he work within it, or does he bypass it entirely?
- Highlights the flaws in the Nordic model—even good systems can be hijacked by bad actors.
Example: The head of the Finnish Environmental Agency is taking bribes to approve harmful projects. Eero must gather evidence without becoming the very thing he hates—a vigilante above the law.
4. The
Who: A rival nation (e.g., Trump’s US, Russia, China, or a fictional state) engaging in espionage, cyberwarfare, or hybrid warfare. Motivation: Weaken Nordic unity, steal technology, or gain geopolitical leverage.
Conflict:
- Hybrid Threats: Disinformation campaigns, sabotage, or economic coercion.
- Espionage: Stealing green tech or military secrets.
- Tests Eero’s loyalty to his country vs. his distrust of nationalism.
- Forces him to collaborate with institutions (e.g., intelligence agencies) he’d rather avoid.
Example: Russian operatives are funding both far-right and far-left groups to destabilize Finland. Eero must uncover the plot without becoming a pawn in a larger geopolitical game.
5. The
Who: An eco-terrorist group that believes the Nordic model is too slow to address climate change. Motivation: Save the planet by any means necessary, even if it means harming people.
Conflict:
- Moral Dilemma: Their goals (protecting nature) align with Eero’s, but their methods (bombings, sabotage) do not.
- Collateral Damage: Innocent lives are at risk, forcing Eero to choose between the greater good and individual harm.
- Forces Eero to confront his own environmentalism—is he willing to compromise, or does he see them as no better than the corporations they fight?
- Challenges his pragmatism—can he find a middle ground, or must he pick a side?
Example: A group plans to blow up a hydroelectric dam to "free the river," not realizing it will flood a town. Eero must stop them without becoming their enemy.
6. The
Who: A billionaire tech mogul or AI cult leader who believes technology can (and should) replace human governance. Motivation: Create a "perfect" society through surveillance, AI, or transhumanism.
Conflict:
- Loss of Autonomy: Their vision erodes personal freedom and democracy in the name of efficiency.
- Dehumanization: People become data points, and dissent is "optimized" away.
- Forces Eero to defend human imperfection—messy democracy over cold efficiency.
- Tests his adaptability—can he outsmart a foe who controls the digital battlefield?
Example: A Silicon Valley-type figure is testing a "social credit" system in a Finnish city, rewarding compliance and punishing dissent. Eero must dismantle the system without becoming a luddite.
7. The
Who: A Nordic mafia or biker gang involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, or arms dealing. Motivation: Profit and power, preying on the vulnerable.
Conflict:
- Underground War: They operate in the shadows, exploiting gaps in the welfare state.
- Personal Stakes: They might target Eero’s loved ones or allies to silence him.
- Lets Eero use his ISTP skills—stealth, combat, and improvisation—in a classic action-thriller scenario.
- Highlights the dark side of Nordic society—even paradise has its underbelly.
Example: A gang is trafficking refugees, promising them a better life in Scandinavia but selling them into slavery. Eero must dismantle the operation without becoming as ruthless as his enemies.
8. The
Who: A former ally—perhaps a journalist, activist, or soldier—who has become radicalized. Motivation: They believe the system is beyond repair and must be burned down.
Conflict:
- Moral Gray Area: Their cause is just, but their methods are not.
- Personal Betrayal: Eero must stop someone he once respected.
- Creates emotional stakes—Eero’s actions have consequences for people he cares about.
- Forces him to question his own beliefs—is the Nordic model worth saving, or is it too broken?
Example: Eero’s old friend, a war veteran, starts bombing government buildings to "wake people up." Eero must talk him down or stop him for good.
Thematic Antagonists
These forces can also represent abstract threats to the Nordic model:
- : The greatest enemy isn’t a person or group, but the indifference of the public. Eero must inspire people to care.
- : A silent, creeping antagonist that forces Eero to confront the limits of individual action.
How to Use These Antagonists
- : Combine multiple forces (e.g., the corporate exploiter and the populist demagogue working together).
- : Avoid pure evil—give antagonists understandable motives, even if their methods are abhorrent.
- : Tie the conflict to Eero’s past, family, or home.
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