 The wordless novel genre had flourished primarily during the 1920s and 1930s , but by the 1940s even the most prolific practitioners had abandoned it . Hyde was familiar with some such works by Lynd Ward , Otto Nückel , and the form 's pioneer Frans Masereel . The high @-@ contrast artwork of Southern Cross features dynamic curving lines uncommon in wood engraving and combines abstract imagery with realistic detail . It has gained appreciation in comics circles as a precursor to the Canadian graphic novel , though it had no direct influence . 
