Understanding Comics

My culture pick for Nonfiction November, I originally read this book for a University class on comics as literature but seeing as how I am trying to develop my comic book review skills I decided it was high time for a reread.

Overall I really loved the tone of the book. Narrated by the author himself, I found it incredibly approachable and easy to read. While McCloud does tackle a number of pretty deep products, his playful and imaginative approach always keeps things interesting.

Another reason I really appreciated Understanding Comics is because of how inclusive it felt. Far from focusing exclusively on western comics, McCloud looks at American, Eastern and European comics and narrative arts in general throughout most of history. I was incredibly impressed by the breadth of this comic.

Far from being a book only for academic study, I think anyone who has an interest in the idea of narrative art and comics would really enjoy this book.

Absolutely one of my favorite books. I have read Understanding Comics, Reinventing Comics, and Making Comics multiple times each. Together, they have given me so much understanding regarding storytelling, perception of art, and comics as a medium.

For this book specifically: this is an essential read. The other two stand on their own as standalone explorations, but this first book provides a framework that link all three together in a sort-of-trilogy. It's only slightly a product of its time; some facts and figures are a bit outdated, but nothing is truly DATED in this...it really feels timeless.

Read all three. Then again, I'm a massive glutton for this kind of passionate knowledge dispensing and find it endlessly enjoyable.

Excellent way of looking at comics. Scott McCloud is like the Leonard Maltin of comic books; he has a brilliant perspective, being a comic artist himself, and boils down a basic overview of comic history, form, factor, function, beauty, and popularity. It's an excellent read and brilliantly drawn. A should-read for any fan or aficionado of the genre, and practically required reading for an aficionado. This book definitely increased my appreciation of the art form.