Understanding comics. - by Scott McCloud

Comics. We all love them. In the same way that we love singing in the shower. Or the goofy class comedian.
Adore them, but never respect them. And that’s what this book aims to change. Scott McCloud challenges the notion that comics are juvenile with ‘bad art and guys in tights.’ And boy, does he do it well! 

Scott begins off with the history of ‘comics’ or ‘illustrated arts’ drawing it back to the cave paintings and Egypt’s papyrus scrolls. One of the first ‘aha’ moments you will have during the course of this 200 page book.

And then, throughout the book, using the medium of illustrations himself, he subtly explains the tactics used by illustrators to send across their messages. 

Very deftly, throughout the book, he guides us in understanding the games these illustrators play on our minds to evoke emotions, set moods and storytell better. 

Changing lines, colour, size and shape of panels, mixing up words and drawing, these illustrators play with your mind. As you read the book you cannot help but feel that a forgotten painting is being restored to its glory. 


And you suddenly have new found respect for these ‘cartoonists.’

                                                

One that will force you to change the way you see them.
Comics are a 2D representation of life. As an art, they have more than a few challenges. And the only tools at the disposal of the illustrators are a pencil and paper. And to think they use just those to set the stage, tell their story, keep us engaged, express complex emotions and master concepts like time, motion and feelings.

I know I stopped a few times when reading the book, and went, “Hunh, funny I never thought of it that way.” It’s a fascinating book, to say the least... I have three words for you - Go read it. 

After all, there is only one thing he asks of you.