

In The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation, the Preamble is illustrated to show a more specific meaning and purpose to how the United States has grown from when it first started in 1776. Jonathan Hennessey and Aaron McConnell show images of what the Preamble states, as well as how the United States was once divided and has become one. Hennessey and McConnell employ the use of color and specific figures to show that the United States was once a divided nation, but has become more unified. 

Hennessey and McConnell use specific images and figures to show a broader meaning to the United States Constitution and growth of the United States as a nation. There is an illustration of an aircraft carrier, as well as fighter jets, which seem to be from the World War II Era. This image is one of the very few images in the comic that show multiple colors, which shows that World War II was a very patriotic event for the United States, as well as a very united nation. The authors use the bright colors in the image to signify the unity and patriotism of the United States at this time in history, even though war is a very dark and tragic time for a nation.  The authors also use the image of Father Time to show that the United States needs to move one from the past, and progress into the future. Father Time is shown in the image with peasants and slaves protesting against the fact that “We the People” only applied to rich white men at the time. Father Time is shown in the image to emphasize that time will eventually catch up to the elite, and the United States and its citizens will become united, and the phrase “We the People” will not have any discrimination against others. Also in the image, Father Time and the poor are depicted with the same color, and the rich are depicted with a different color. This contrast in color portray that citizens are not treated the same because of their social status. Father Time and the peasants are presented in a brighter color and the rich white men are presented in a duller color, which shows that change is essential in the United States, in order to create unity within the nation. Father Time is in this image to show that there needs to be a change, in order for the United States and its citizens to become one and will not be viewed differently.

Color also plays a significant role in the comic to show the unity of the United States and its people. Most of the images in the piece are monochromatic, and are portrayed with dull colors. Each separate image and its components are made up of one shade of color, either to show the progress of the United States, or to show how each component in the image have a common characteristic. For example, one image has a line of people going to vote, and the back of the line shows rich white men from the 1700s and 1800s and as the line moves on, it shows the progress the United States has made to give voting rights to black men, and women. Also, as the line moves along, it goes from a shade of purple to a shade of orange. This gradual change in color emphasizes the progress that has been made to give equal voting rights to all United States citizens. This shows unification in the United States because it shows all people from all different backgrounds in the same image doing the same action, voting in their beloved country. There is another image in the comic that shows people from different backgrounds standing together as one. This image contains people with different religions, race, and gender standing together with their right hands over their hearts, which conveys that they are standing for the National Anthem. This is also a monochromatic image with shades of violet, which portrays that they are united as a community and a nation, while each citizen shares the same patriotism and love for the United States. The authors employ this technique to emphasize that amendments have united people in the United States, and they can stand together without being judged on their personal beliefs and backgrounds. 

The use of multiple colors in an image show contrast in the image, as well as portraying the progress of the United States. There are a few images in the comic that show multiple colors, but may have the most significance in the work, and its purpose. One image is of a GPS, which is compared to an image of an old-fashioned compass. The compass is made up of dull colors, while the GPS is made up of more dynamic colors. This contrast shows that the United States has grown, not only in technology but also in morals. In order for a nation and its citizens to become united, morals and values are critical, and the amendments in the Constitution erased all discriminations in the United States. Another image shows two gentleman holding the flag of the United States of America, which also shows unity within the country. The two gentlemen in the image are shade of green, while the flag is displayed with full color of red, white and blue. Having the flag as the only object in the image with full and bright colors emphasize the nation as a whole. The United States was once divided but now it is unified with ratifications and amendments, while its citizens have become unified and proud to hold its flag high.

The United States has grown as a nation since it began in 1776, and this concept is portrayed in The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation. Hennessey and McConnell employ the use of specific figures and the use of color to emphasize the growth of the United States, and the unity among its citizens. They also used monochromatic images to show unity, but also they used contrast to show the division and also change in the United States. The United States was once divided, but now it is united.