90 pages 3 hours read

Scott McCloud

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

Nonfiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Adult | Published in 1993

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Understanding Comics, a graphic nonfiction work by Scott McCloud, explores the history, theory, and potential of comic art, discussing its definition as "sequential art," its iconography, and storytelling techniques. McCloud examines concepts like closure, time manipulation, motion depiction, and synaesthetics, while defending comics as a legitimate and powerful art form.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics is lauded for its insightful analysis of comic art, blending humor and academic rigor. Reviewers appreciate its clarity and innovative approach to the medium. Some critique it for occasional repetitiveness, but overall, it is highly regarded as an essential work for both comic enthusiasts and scholars.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Understanding Comics?

Readers who delight in exploring the intricate blend of art and narrative in graphic storytelling will enjoy Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics. Fans of Will Eisner’s Comics and Sequential Art and Art Spiegelman's Maus will find McCloud’s analytical yet accessible approach particularly engaging.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Art

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Society: Education

Topics

History: World

Arts / Culture