Based on Scott McCloud’s definition,
comics are actually “bad art, stupid stories, and guys in tights” (12). These
descriptions even make him hate these reading materials, which lead him to abandon
them and only digest real books. When one of his friends suggests that he must
consider comics as a reading material, he becomes fanatical and preoccupied
until such time that he keeps on practicing making comic strips. Definitely, he
learns to practice as a comic artist.
According to an article by Shuping, a
comic is an image that articulates realistic stories. By definition, it may be
a gag panel with a more diverse genuine work, or it can be a sliver of
narrative having a few details and visual cartoons (Shuping). At some points,
it is an unpolished, low-priced, poorly-drawn child fare. Its main purpose is
to convey a powerful message, which is quite difficult to realize. Indeed, Shuping’s
definition is appropriate as it describes comics. Whereas Shuping claims that
comics are images that tell a story, McCloud, on the other hand, believes that they
do contain hidden power that surprises the readers. According to McCloud, this
media is a contrast of graphic pictures among others (9). In the end, comics are
images that arouse visual reactions to deliver an informative material.
Overall, McCloud’s definition of comics
has changed. Comics do not have to be bad arts or stupid stories. They must be
important reading materials that offer meaningful stories. Though comics are
reading materials with cartoons, they are in strip forms that share specific
agenda. Hence, McCloud believes they contain concealed message that explodes
surprises.
Works Cited
Shuping,
Andy. What Are Comics? CCGCLibraries.com.
6 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Feb. 2016.
McCloud,
Scott. Understanding Comics: The
Invisible Art. Northampton, Mass (1993).
Ahmad, I always look forward to reading your work because you are always so organized and your blogs always have a great flow of information. With this blog it is no different. I really think that you understand why McClouds definition of comic changed and what a comic is. From reading this it helped me further understand what a comic is and that a comic is actually just another piece of reading material and not just a silly little strip in the Sunday newspapers. I think that the change of McClouds perception of comics helped me realize that we can actually learn a lot from comics if they are applied correctly. Overall good job and keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteAhmad, this is a really good analysis. You are the person who is always the first finished the assignment. Also, you always understood the instruction and text very well and could make an excellent blog. I like to read your works because it could help me further understand the text material. You defined the comics very well from McCloud in your blog. The comics are also a way that let us learning and understanding the concept or event, and it makes more sense than words. I posted a picture about Geographic system in my blog. It is really hard to understand that concept without this picture when I was learning that lecture. As a whole, nice done, Ahmad.
ReplyDeleteAhmad, I really enjoy reading your blogs. You do such great job of understanding the instructions and always make your blogs are very well organized and clear. If I am ever struggling understanding a blog assignment you are the one I like to read to clear it up and create a better understanding for myself. You did very well on this blog with the comparison of the two definitions. You explained each individual definition very well also. Overall you did a very good job like always! Keep up the great work you're doing awesome!
ReplyDeleteAhmed, while your blog does offer some interesting comparisons about two definitions of "comics," There are a few issues. First, the definition you offer for McCloud is not the one that the assignment wanted you to focus on. Second the assignment asked you to seek out a text you believe would be a comic according to McCloud's definition.
ReplyDelete