The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation, by Jonathan Hennessey and Aaron McConnell, is a graphic novel constructed using different visual elements and excerpts from the Preamble in order to convey the message that some parts of the constitution that was used to apply to us, no longer apply to today due to social changes and new ideals. Two panels exemplify these changes in a clear way through a color scheme that alludes to the past and present. These panels are on page 203 and are on the second and third tier, separated by a gutter. Both panels fully encapsulate the meaning of the text and aids in getting the message across to the reader.

The first panel includes two scenes and four captions. The boxes explain how only white men were viewed as people. It explains how the idea of “We The People” truly does not pertain to everyone. The next two text boxes explain how it has later been amended and changed, thus rendering certain portions obsolete. The corresponding picture is a long shot view of a group of slaves being led against their oppressors by what looks like Father time. The graphic starts out very dark brown on the left of the image and slowly gets into a lighter tan color near Father Time. The darker colors symbolize injustice, and as the image gets lighter it symbolizes that changes are finally being made to the Constitution for justice, and it’s starting to get better for the oppressed. On the far right of the visual stands Father Time standing proud and striking fear into the hearts of the men across from him. He is carrying a scythe; something often associated with the “grim reaper,” as well as an hourglass, something often associated with father time, with the majority of the sand in the bottom half. His back is armed with formidable robust wings that encapsulate the slaves behind him.  He is a savior for the slaves draped in garments that barely cover their bodies. To his right are the Founding Fathers. These men cower under Father Time’s power; the light radiates off the Father Time and onto their fearful faces, thus forcing them right up to a safe with the American Flag peeking out of the corners. The colors of the men start to change from a brown into a dark purple grey. Symbolizing the transition to the new ideas of the future from the old outdated unfair ideals. Below these images is an image of the safe being opened, and two soldiers walking out of it holding the American Flag high and proud. These men are both in a light color that appears to be turquoise, due to all of the other lighter colors being in the present one can assume this is in the present as well.  To the right is a diverse group of people all in light purple pledging to the flag that the soldiers that appear to be veterans are carrying. The corresponding text box talks about the changes made to fit all groups of people in the Constitution, and how it fits modern ideals. This is also a long shot in order to show the different ethnic groups of people and the proud expressions on their faces. This was in a long shot in order to show the previously oppressed groups of minorities and foreigners now standing proudly under a symbol that they can now stand for and be proud of, where previously they couldn’t. 

A tier below the previous panel also shows a strong use of color scheme in order to portray the comparison of the past ideals versus the present. This panel has a single text box that talks about knowing the history of this prejudice and exclusion in an unjust time for our country. Adjacent to the text box is a close-up image of slaves hands in chains. The close-up visual allows the reader to see more detail and feel emotion in the clenched fists of the slaves. The fists are also encased in the past color scheme of the dark brown, sepia-like colors that emphasize the cruelties of the past. In addition to the fists is a tattered flyer that states, “Votes For Women Government’s Assault on ….”(203). Not only were people segregated and persecuted due to race, but also gender. This image is also a close-up-mid shot and is in the brown color scheme showing how the past caused issues and upset different groups, and forced women to fight for suffrage. Once again highlighting a rough time in our nations history. 

The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation, by Jonathan Hennessey and Aaron McConnell, shows us the relationship the past has with the present in this graphic novel adaptation of the preamble to the United States Constitution. This adaptation clearly allows one to see the differences and tie-ins in the comic, between the past and present, through the different uses of color scheme. The changes in color show the social and political adaptations that came about due to various groups fighting for their rights. This visual motif captures the changes perfectly and allows the reader to see the changes with ease.
