Understanding Comics

Understanding Comics Review

"Understanding Comics" enlightened me in many ways that I did not expect. First of all, as an Illustration student, I am usually guilty of focusing way too much on the details that I forget about the bigger picture and the impression of the image. However, comics with less realism and more simplicity gets us more involved because by reducing the image down to its fundamental meaning, it is amplified beyond what realistic art can. 

I also came to appreciate techniques comic artists use to create a flow of time and space through panels and found it interesting how the cultural difference between the U.S. and Japan creates different usage of transitional types.

I was personally touched by pages 170-184 where the author talks about the six steps of making art. Recently I have been starting to question the purpose and goal of making art and was troubled that I have either forgotten or do not yet know the answer. However, the author describes the six steps of art and how we usually start learning about art from step six and downwards, and the challenge becomes harder as we get closer to step one and two. I realized that I am not alone in this struggle and that I would love to continue this journey. 

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