"Understanding of Comics" by Scott McCloud

Understanding of Comics by Scott McCloud is a very interesting and insightful book on the world of Comic Books and how they are structured. For most writers of this sort of material, it would be sufficient to fill it with words and analysis, covering the page with text and leaving little room for pictures. However, what makes Scott's work unique is that it is a traditional comic book. This approach is actually perfect for this genre. What would be a better format for an analysis of comic books than an actual comic book?

Scott takes us on a ride through the art of the comic with his use of simple, but interesting imagery that captures the spirit of the comic strip and thoroughly details every aspect and fact in such a way that it envelops the reader. It directly shows how one would use these features appropriately. For instance, Scott explains that comics are what is known as sequential art. Quoting Will Asner, he explains that alone, pictures are just pictures. However, Asner goes on to say that, if we put those pictures in as part of a sequence, then that image is transformed into something more! Scott also goes on to explain numerous other facts in a fun and interesting way such as the use of icons, and how both text and pictures are a form of icon. He also explains other aspects such as the types of transitions that are used, to even the emotional impact that the reader experiences due to the amount of spacing between each individual panel.

By far my favorite section is when he explains the various uses of a more simple art style, specifically for the characters. Scott implies that the more simple the character, the easier it is for the reader/watcher to implant themselves as those characters and live out the fantasies of those characters' worlds. He also say that this is even more emphasized when the characters are simple but they contrast to a much more realistic space and environment. This technique also helps express the importance of the moment. For example, a sword viewed from afar looks just as simple as the character wielding it. But, if said character suddenly spies strange writings on the blade, we would get a closer view, with the sword shown in very high detail, suggesting a Three-Dimensional object and to show the importance of the item and or moment. This is shown in various famous works such as TinTin and Asterix, allowing the reader to mask themselves in a character and safely enter a simulated world. For the most part, this is actually not that popular with American artists, however the masking techniques are considered standard in Japan, where they continue to explore, develop and refine the technique, with some even attempting to use even more realistic looking characters to capture the same feelings as the simpler ones.

As a long term reader of comics, I find the masking process extremely interesting and relatable. To me, the art style is a big deciding factor in whether or not I wish to read that particular comic. Perhaps, that is why I have read slightly more Japanese Manga than American Comics over the last few years. I can enjoy many works from artists like Akira Toriyama of Dragon Ball fame and Brian Lee O'Malley and his Scott Pilgrim series because of their simplicity. However, an artist such as Alex Ross, known for illustrating extremely realistic looking art that, as a comic, leaves me with a strangely uncomfortable feeling upon viewing it. I have a difficult time even looking at his art, let alone indulging in the story or emotions.  I have always enjoyed the simpler art and looking back, I too felt like it was easier to imagine myself in those worlds.

Scott McCloud has written what I would consider the perfect guide to creating a modern comic. It details everything that one would need to know in such a way that it successfully passes on the information to the readers without boring them. I feel that this is an essential piece of material for not just those wishing to pursue a career in the comic book industry, but as an artist as a whole.

"The Arrival" by Shaun Tan

For the majority of people, the thought that comes to mind when hearing the phrase "Comic Book" would probably be a book that is anywhere from a single page comic strip like those in the Sunday newspaper to a 200 page novel filled with tiny pictures and featuring at least one main character, with their only way of communicating their thoughts and words through the use of speech bubbles. The Arrival by Shaun Tan, however, is an interesting departure in style from the usual norms of the comic book world.

What sets The Arrival apart from other works is that there is not one single speech bubble ever used throughout the piece. Like the classic silent movies of old, all of the thoughts and emotions are expressed by the actions of the characters. This is a wonderful departure since the majority of comic books heavily rely on its use of dialogue, sometimes greatly hindering both the art and story and potentially boring the reader. But in The Arrival the story is not tied down by any dialogue and we the readers are able to understand what is going on with the main character with its art alone. Shaun Tan's art is fantastic and extremely detailed. Shaun is able to paint an epic fantasy world that is filled with wonderful environments, characters, and creatures that, while fictional, feel as if they are truly alive and could spring out from the pages at any moment. If I could compare the art to anything, I would say that it reminds me of many of the works of various Renaissance artists like Leonardo Da Vinci.  The story is completely told through the drawings and its characters to such a degree that the reader is left completely captivated and entranced with story, able to understand everything quite clearly. The shading used is also outstanding. It is used perfectly in capturing the raw emotion of the characters and both the happy time and the tragic times that they face.

The story follows a man as he and his family immigrate to a new land in an attempt to escape a great evil. As he waits for the rest of his to join him in the new country, the man encounters numerous people who kindly help him adjust to his new way of life and share their own experiences that led them to immigrating themselves.

The Arrival is a wonderful piece of literature that separates itself from other similar works. It details the life of an immigrant quite well and shows that there is always a place where you are welcomed, no matter where you go. I feel that many people will be able to relate to this piece, especially those who have experienced or are currently experiencing the same things here in the real world. With our world currently being bombarded by some kind of evil in every country, it allows anyone to relate to it in some way and gives one hope that we are not alone and that together, we can live in a peaceful world.