Understanding Comics

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was an outstanding book. For anyone who appreciates cartoons or comics. It really sheds light on how we perceive stories told in sequence through line, expression, color--why we related more to some styles than others, how our brains interpret iconic images...along with some art history... There is so much info in this book that after reading a library copy, I am purchasing a copy for my home library. I know I will refer to it again when illustrating childrens books.

I also, in a completely unrelated subject, found the comments on sensory information and also how we empathize with comic characters very interesting, as the parent of a kid with autistic-like challenges and sensory integration dysfunction. I think it is worth the reasonable price for parents of such kids to get the book and just read the few chapters on how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

Cartoons and comic books and sequential art is everywhere, this book adds a lot to our understanding of this part of our culture.

View all my reviews >>