Understanding Comics By Scott McCloud (3)

In the Understanding Comics By Scott McCloud, this comic primary focuses on the numerous concepts behind comics. One concept that I found interesting was the simplification of comic books. The simplification of a detailed comic book character is a more abstract version. From that abstract version we have a simple character made of line. When reading this it makes you really appreciative of comics. It really shows the reader what a simplistic shape can be turned into, and the amount of time it takes to make a comic. From that simplification “we assign identities and emotions where none exist.” Some examples used in this comic book are an electrical outlet, the front of a car, and a container lid. In each one of those examples the viewer can easily see a face.  I feel like this truly opened my mind about shape and shape language. Another thing that was mentioned in the comic book was “the cartoon is a vacuum into which our identity and awareness are pulled in.” I found this very interesting because as a child you find yourself fascinated with cartoons. We practically become one when we watch cartoons. But as an adult we realize that these simple cartoons characters have child features which makes them so relatable. I felt like everything really clicked in my head while reading this. When the narrator says we give the cartoon life and fill up the iconic cartoony form. This truly showed me the power and lasting effect a comic book could have. Throughout art history we see simplicity in everything. From Egyptian hieroglyphics, illuminated manuscripts, block books, woodcuts, and caricatures. Over time, those simple characters on papyrus, vases, and etc, helped paved the road to the comic books and cartoons we know today. This is why I feel like comics and cartoons are an important medium when it comes to storytelling. With or without words the viewer can sense emotion, and can easily tell what is going on. This brings me back to the Arrival By Shaun Tan. Even though it didn’t have words, It was a strong piece. A work like this can easily show universal comics can be and how it brings people together. I really enjoyed reading Understanding Comics By Scott McCloud. While reading this comic book, I frequently found myself learning new things and relating them back to history. It also allowed me to appreciate comics and everything it takes to make one.        

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