Understanding Comics

What is McCloud's idea of an iconic abstraction chart? Describe it.

Where do Maus and The 9/11 Report fit on this chart? Where would you place them?

In Chapter 7, McCloud discusses the "six steps". What are these six steps and how do they influence the creation of great art?

Bookslut | An Interview with Neil Gaiman
Another interesting interview with comic book writer Gaiman...

This week's readings discuss the writing process and the use of lines in comics to convey emotion and the inner self.

First...
Eisner states, "Comics is a medium confined to still images, bereft of sound and motion, and writing must accomodate these restrictions". How does good writing do this in a comic book or graphic novel? Use an example from our readings.

Secondly...
In McCloud's chapter on lines, he poses the question: "How can a single image represent the senses and emotions and how does this idea apply to comics?" After you read the chapter, what is your reponse to this question?

Remember to read all of Persepolis, available at the Circulation/Reserve Desk in Milne, for Wednesday's class.

Boing Boing: Batman creator Bob Kane swipe panel
Kind of a "Where's Waldo" for plagiarism...

Cool Tool: Making Comics
Kevin Kelly reviews Scott McCloud's latest book, Making Comics...
By the way, if you are interested in drawing, penciling or writing comics, McCloud's book is a must read.

Since I did not get back into town until late last night, the post for next week's comments won't be due until 5:00pm Wednesday, October 11th, as I know many of you won't be back in Geneseo until late Tuesday or Wednesday anyway.

Ok, two-part question for today's post:
Part I:
What is the "reader-teller contract" Eisner describes? Why is it important in comic books?

Part II:
Eisner talks about ideas and story premises in Chapter 8. After reading Bone: Out from Boneville, what premise does Jeff Smith use when writing this graphic novel? Why? Use examples to illustrate your point.

Class meets at 5:30 Wednesday -- see you then.

Blogcritics.org: A Month In Comics: What's Hot And What's Coming
New releases from Marvel and other comics publishers...