Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud totally blew my mind. This book is fun and easy to read but so incredibly helpful in showing the reader how comics work. Because the technical aspects of comics work on the reader subconsciously, I was unaware of how much difference can be made by things like the shape and spacing of a panel. This book has enriched my comic book reading life immeasurably.

McCloud’s book is a Comics 101 guide in comic book form. I’m going to be showing a lot of examples from the pages because I think it speaks well for itself. It talks about what comics are, how old they are, how line and color and space work, and a little of the difference between Japanese and American styles.

McCloud starts off by defining comics. We all know what comics are, right?

It turns out that defining comics is pretty complicated. McCloud settles for the following definition:

Under this definition, comics as a method of storytelling go back to ancient art. In further chapters, McCloud explores comics vocabulary, the concept of closure as it applies to comics, time frames, line, color, storytelling, and the six steps an artist in any medium goes through to produce art. It’s approachable and interesting and fun to look at.

As an example of what McCloud talks about on a technical level, let’s explore the concept of closure a bit. When you look at two panels, there’s a space between them (or at least a dividing line). Panels can be any size or shape, but at some point a panel leads into another panel. The space between the panels is called the gutter. When a reader looks at one panel, they automatically carry in their minds the image over to the next panel and complete the action or idea in their heads – that’s closure. McCloud goes on to describe all kinds of ways that closure can work, and some of the cultural differences in patterns. It’s a technical detail that changes the way you read comics, because now you know what you, as a reader, are unconsciously doing, and you can see what the artists and writers are intentionally making you do.

One thing I love about this book is that in the art, McCloud shows both men and women reading and creating comics. It’s totally matter-of-fact. He never has to tell us that comics are for everyone, because he shows it. I also love how McCloud ties comics creation to other forms of art and shows how they are similar and different. Above all, his enthusiasm is infectious.

Knowing the vocabulary of comics is helpful if I’m talking to other creators, but for the most part the vocabulary isn’t the most useful element of the book. What’s so useful is the peek inside how comics and be constructed and deconstructed in an infinite number of ways to make the reader have an infinite number of reactions. Over and over again McCloud demonstrates this with line, closure, etc.

For instance, here’s some iconic art styles – notice how different they make you feel at a gut level:

 

I found this book because of a great post at comicbookresources.com by Ron Marz. Mark talked about how often book reviewers review of comics without understanding how comics work on a technical and artistic level. (Yeah, guilty.) Happily, Martz not only shared some basic insights of his own, but also listed a couple of basic resource books including Understanding Comics. For a quick Comics 101 Primer, I highly recommend Martz’s post.

As a casual reader, there’s a lot happening deliberately in comics that I think I thought was a happy accident. However, there are few accidents when it comes to making a comic. This is such a fun, accessible book for those who want a sneak peek into how comics work, and why, and why they are such an appealing and enduring art form. It has certainly enhanced my reading experience and I hope it will enhance my reviews! I encourage comics readers to check this book out – I think you’ll enjoy it.