Comic Theory An introduction to the ideas of cartoonist Scott McCloud.

What are comics? Can you name some examples?

What are comics? What do they have in common?

What are comics? Why tell a story with pictures?

What are comics? Why are pictures powerful?

What are Comics? In his work Understanding Comics, McCloud really grapples with this idea. After much deliberation about ideas on time, space, images, and words, McCloud arrives at this definition: (So, basically, pictures lined up in a deliberate order with a goal in mind)

Reality Vs. Iconic An icon is any image used to represent a person, place, thing, or idea. Simple drawings and/or iconic cartoons allow us to forget about the messenger and focus on the message. In other words, ideas become clearer and louder when the messenger is easy to understand.

The cartoon is an icon for any human being—including the reader The cartoon is an icon for any human being—including the reader. When we look at a photo or realistic drawing, we see it as a face of another. When we enter the simple, iconic world of the cartoon, we see ourselves. This is how comics grab our attention: we see ourselves in the images, and suddenly we become the participant in all the action.

The Gutter Gutters are the spaces between the panels. “To kill a man between frames is to condemn him to a 1000 deaths.” --Scott McCloud

Closure When we acknowledge and/or imagine that something happens between panels, we construct closure. When we observe the parts, but perceive the whole, that is also closure. The mental process that interprets these dots and lines as a face is closure too.

Now it’s your turn! In your journals, draw a simple cartoon that depicts your morning routine. What are the steps you go through from waking up to showing up at school?