Understanding Comics

Scott McCloud is the author of Understanding Comics. He tells about the unique world of comics in the form a book that is an actual comic. He breaks the fourth wall and tells his story himself as the main cartoon character. He tells the history of comics starting with Ancient Egypt hieroglyphics. I never thought of hieroglyphics as comics until I read this. It is an interesting view because they are in the comic form and do tell a story. Some even without words. McCloud also shows us the difference between cartoons and comics. McCould himself is a cartoon, but a comic is a medium for cartoons. Chapter two talks about how icons can express ideas without saying a word. It is so true and goes back to the old saying a "picture can say a thousand words". I also like the how the space between panels is crucial. The transition from panel to panel is just as crucial. You need know what to show and what not to show. Chapter eight was my favorite because it is all about color. It is the only chapter in the book that has color. It brought a real surprise to the book and really helps the reader see the impact of color. It is really conveyed well through different versions of himself in different colors. I like how McCloud ends the book, he encourages the reader to explore the comics on his/her own. I like that because everyone has different taste and will get a different perspective. I myself read only superhero comics on my own time, but everyone is different. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the world of comics.