User control v/s custom control for image viewer?

I suggest you use WPF instead winforms Zoom, Pan example using WPF : http://blogs.windowsclient.net/joeyw/archive/2009/06/02/pan-and-zoom-updated.aspx This topic has sample codes for rotation etc.

You should first Learn GDI+, this book (GDI+ Programming With C#) is very good for Learning GDI+ after reading , You'll can create an image viewer.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.