Sorry about the misleading title, this post has nothing to do with The Lord of the Rings. This post is instead a review of one of the most influential graphic novels ever published. Yes, I said graphic novel. Understanding Comics is still one of the most influential looks at the comic as an art form.
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud, may just be the single most important look at the world of comics. I say that with no hesitation. I will also say without hesitation, that this book may be the missing link that finally brings the art of the comic book into the realm of the fine arts. The book itself is a graphic novel, or (as the book defines) sequential art. As we follow the author through the world of comics, we learn his outlook on the history of the comic to his understanding of the critical aspects presented within a comic. I am particularly found of his take on the space between comic panels, aka the gutter. This small space offers closure to the events taking place within a story. We read that there is something happening in the gutter, although it is just blank space.
What makes Understanding Comics go beyond a primer on comics is the incorporation of basic art history ideas to serve as a comparison with the comic book. One example of this is when McCloud discusses the concept of motion within a comic and invokes the stylistic experiments of the Futurists and Marcel Duchamp. As an instructor of art and film, these types of connections not only make sense, they increase the depth of what Understanding Comics is trying to accomplish. The book could have been just a book on comics, but it is also a book on art.
Speaking of art, the most important thing to come from a reading of this book is a knowledge of art in our postmodern world. Some of the main characteristics in postmodernism seek to incorporate comics into the wider realm of the fine arts. Art is no longer just the Mona Lisa, there really is no difference between what we typically call high art and low art. For me, this distinction reeks of elitism. I can gain more knowledge of my culture and life through Batman than I can from something created 500 years ago. The immediate impact of postmodernism is the key way in which we not only view our world, but the way in which we enter into the knowledge of art.
Understanding Comics is an invaluable resource in the defining of the importance of the comic. To put it succinctly, comics are art. I really want to use this book as a basis for a class, because I think it could be a great way for students to step beyond the typical view of art; and at the same time enhance their knowledge of the art typically taught. So having said that, what comics transcend. Another way to put this, if I were to teach a class on the art of the comic – what should be included? I want to hear you ideas and suggestions, and I will eventually present a more detailed analysis of graphic novels or comics that I think should be incorporated in such a class.
Let me end this by saying that Understanding Comics is a milestone. Everyone interested in art or comics should read this, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. The application of the ideas within the book could easily be transferred to such things as graphic design and web design, and even literature. So, read this book!
