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Comment by geocrasher | Hacker News Reader

That opening picture, with the scroll effect. I don't know if I have ever seen such an image used so effectively. The transition from line art to a real picture was so subtle that I was just stunned to find out it was real. And that had such an immediate impact that it brought a tear to my eye.

I can't remember there ever being a time in my 30+ years of being online that web design caused such a reaction.

Haven't even read the article yet...

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It very strongly reminds me of Heaven Shall Burns music video for Combat[1], just from the emotional impact. Note that the music isn't necessarily grandma-friendly, but feel free to mute it. Also note as a possible trigger warning - this is about child soldiers and there are no happy endings.

However, the visuals of realistically drawn ... harsh, reality, the pencil drawings as the reality forced upon them, and the crayon drawings representing the hopeful and happier longings of the children is very powerful. And I can very much recommend looking at the lyrics[2]

1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jCd-KTTR_I

2: http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/heavenshallburn/invictus.ht...

I agree- and I'm amazed that this is the first comment on see on the story. I sat stunned, and saddened by the photo, after what first appeared to be a mere illustration. I don't know what is so impactful about the effect, but it really touched something in me.

I think it's one of those things where the medium is used correctly to tell the story. The web has the ability to be more than just "digital newspapers" as in the past, and this is what happens when showing advertisements isn't the first priority of the storyteller.

It took forever to load on my phone, but yeah--impressive!

If it is too effective, it might be taken down by the powers!

Wouldn't be the first time the Modi government intervenes in un-welcome reporting.

Muck Fodi.

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