Understanding Comics The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud (1993)

A non-fiction comic. There aren't many of those. But a comic book that could be a text book, and the most readable text book I have ever seen, that is an achievement.

An achievement aided by its chosen medium. Comics are usually easier to read than straight text.

Understanding Comics is a very "Intelligent and Entertaining" at the same time. Seeing as it was about comics, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that Neil Gaimain showed up again. To anyone who doesn't yet believe that comics can compete with any other "fine art" or "literature", read this book. Then go read Watchmen.

Mr. McCloud understands comics in a rather profound way; and he understands art and creating in just as profoundly. Profound enough to end his book by saying, "This book is meant to stimulate debate, not settle it." There are some things I would argue with, which could take up quite some room*, but on whether comics are an art or not, I don't want to devote any more time right now.

Understanding Comics describes in words all the strategies that a comic artist can use that Scott knows about. But, because it is a comic itself, he can also demonstrate it and he does so in many ways (every way he knows about). It makes for a variety of texture that is rather fun. At the same time, Scott's style shows through and his little avatar ties the whole thing together into an impressive continuous work.

I learned a lot and I enjoyed myself doing so. What more could an educator ask for?

It begs the question: should more text books take this style?

*One point I have contention with is Scott's definition of "art". It is just a teensie bit too broad. It is the definition I use for "culture". This level of broadness does a disservice to art and to the word itself by rendering it next to useless ("culture" means almost nothing because the word is so bloody broad, but in so many ways that is a good thing). That being said, there is a 'wisdom' in his definition. "Art" is a broader and harder to define concept that even pornography and obscenity. Really, it's a rather fluid concept and as such quite impossible to solidify without losing most of what you are trying to define. However, I feel that an important part of what makes "Art" art is an intent or purpose. Some sort of reason for making/doing what you have just made/done, even if that reason is to be seen as an "artist" making "art".

Sometimes. It's hard to avoid some pretentiousness. But see, I don't quite consider this review a piece of "art". It's more like an essay.