Understanding Comics

R. Crumb and Aline Crumb in the New York Times

2007-02-13T17:13:00.000-05:00

This is a bit dated (back in January), but interesting profile written about R. Crumb and his wife Aline in the New York Times...

drawn and quarterly blog

2007-02-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

Neat blog from the Montreal, Canada publishing house: d rawn and quarterly
Features some great art and links to some of the artists in their "stable", including Joe Sacco, Charles Burns and Lynda Barry.

The best comics about the Iraq war

2007-01-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe there could be a "comic book" about Iraq (but many thought the same thing about 9/11 and one was published this past summer)...
The best comics about the Iraq war. - By Dan Kois - Slate Magazine

Final Projects Due Tomorrow!

2006-12-12T20:37:00.000-05:00

REMINDER -- final projects are due tomorrow, 12/13 by 6pm. Drop them off at my office behind the reference desk in Milne Library or leave them at the reference desk. There will be a box with my name & the class name on it. Unless you were told differently by me, you will be able to pick up your graded final project on December 19th, in my office.
Good luck with your other final exams!

Green Lantern creator dead at 91

2006-12-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

Some very sad news from the world of comics...
Green Lantern creator dead at 91 - CNN.com

Week #15 Reader Response

2006-12-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

Last blog post...

In our reserve reading for this week's class, "Epilogue: The Death of Superman, or, Must there be a Comic Book Industry", Wright talks about the supposed "death" of the comic books industry. He talks about this death from the perspective (beginning in 1992) of 2001, but how about 2006? Is there a meaningful place for comic books in American culture and young lives? How can comic books compete with other media for attention? What do you think as young people -- how has (or maybe they have not) influenced your life?

Secondly, what comic book or graphic novel grabbed your attention this semester and why? How did it change or reinforce your ideas of literature or culture?

See you all at our last class on Wednesday!

For those interested in manga...

2006-11-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

For those of you interested in all things manga, read this interesting essay about "scanlations" from The Comics Journal. Scanlations are "...amateur translations of manga not otherwise licensed for print by one of the many publishers bringing such works to market."

Week #14 Reader Response

2006-11-26T16:55:00.000-05:00

Only 2 more classes left! This semester has certainly flown by...

For this week's class, remember to read:
Ghost World by Daniel Clowes
rest of V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
...both of which are available at the Circulation/Reserve desk in Milne Library

So many comic books have been made into feature films. Thinking about a movie version you have watched in the past, what are some elements you think are essential to a good movie adaptation from a comic book or comic book series? This is purely your own opinion, but give examples.
Do comic books translate well to screen? Why or why not?

In class on Wednesday, we will view clips from some different movie adaptations of comics and graphic novels. In particular, we will talk about Ghost World, the graphic novel, as opposed to "Ghost World" the movie. As you read the novel, think about what works in this book. What scenes/panels would make a good transition to film?

If you have a suggestion for a clip we should view on Wednesday, let me know by Tuesday afternoon. I'll try to work it into the "program".

Continuation of disussion from Week #11 Reader Response...

2006-11-08T18:49:00.000-05:00

I am posting this to the blog to continue a discussion brought up by this past week's blog post. Its not necessary to join the discussion if you don't want to, but I was intrigued by the discussion that got started on the blog earlier today regarding McCloud and his tackling such a huge project: the standardization of comics. Someone mentioned they felt McCloud was presumptious in trying to set rules down and another felt that was an unfair characterization since he is a comics scholar (read the original post and comments here) and has the knowledge and background to write an influential book.

What do you think?

Sorry I didn't get a chance to address this issue in class!

What is presumptious -- is it the idea that one person is trying to "formalize" or create standards for the world of comics?

Why shouldn't someone try to set standards for what is fast becoming a recognized art and literary form?

Or is it just presumptious of this particular man to assume he is the expert because you don't know what credentials he brings to the creation of these rules and thus, this book?

Very interesting discussion !! Please keep it going...

Week #11 Reader Response

2006-11-04T18:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry for posting so late this week -- I just got back from Kansas City early this morning, so I'm a bit behind. Just make sure you respond by class time on Wednesday...

Chapter 8 of McCloud is about color -- do you agree with McCloud that black and white imparts ideas more directly? Is color just emphasizing the forms and shapes? Why or why not?

Chapter 9 finishes our reading of McCloud's book this week.
What are your final thoughts about the book?
Has it deepened your understanding of comic books, and if so, how?
What are some of your reflections after concluding the final chapter??

Week #10 Reader Response

2006-10-27T22:30:00.000-05:00

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?

An Interview with Neil Gaiman

2006-10-19T16:10:00.000-05:00

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

Week #8 Reader Response

2006-10-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

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.

Batman creator Bob Kane swipe panel

2006-10-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

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

Cool Tool: Making Comics

2006-10-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

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.

Week #7 Reader Response

2006-10-08T09:23:00.000-05:00

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.

A Month In Comics: What's Hot And What's Coming

2006-10-03T18:50:00.000-05:00

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

Week #6 Reader Response

2006-09-29T13:53:00.000-05:00

**Note: Week #6 response is due by Wednesday, October 4th even though class is cancelled**

Question #1:
Sanders, in his article, Of Storytellers and Stories in Gaiman and Vess's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (p. 38), states:

...We do not like to think that we live in a tangle of love and fear, that we may try to climb past our limits through art, and that the escape may itself become a trap. Comics may be an especially apt medium for such a disconcerting subject because it naturally involves the audience in the process of creating meaningful 'stories'...

Agree or disagree? Why?

Question #2:
Gaiman, in an interview, indicated that he breaks the rules of familiar comic book storytelling. What are the rules and how does Gaiman break them? Use examples from your reading of the stories from The Sandman.

Class will meet next on October 11th (happy birthday, Nate) and remember to read chapters 6 & 8 from Eisner, as well as the reserve reading (Jeff Smith's graphic novel, Bone: Out from Boneville, which will be available at the Circulation Reserve Desk this coming Monday afternoon, 10/2).
See you all on the 11th.

Interview with 'Sandman' creator Neil Gaiman

2006-09-27T10:39:00.000-05:00

Neil Gaiman was interviewed by NPR Talk of the Nation host Neal Conan back in 2003. Listen to the interview...

Joe Sacco's school of rock: Love it or loathe it

2006-09-26T19:05:00.000-05:00

Sacco's school of rock: Love it or loathe it
Great interview with Joe Sacco on the publication of his new book exploring the crazy world of rock 'n'roll...

Fantagraphics 2006 : Society of Illustrators

2006-09-26T16:03:00.000-05:00

Fantagraphics 2006 : Society of Illustrators
For those of you who live in the NYC Metro area and are going home for Columbus Day/Fall Break, check this out -- the Society of Illustrators is exhibiting 30 years of comic art, through October 21st...

Scott McCloud takes "Making Comics" on the road with daughters

2006-09-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

Boing Boing: Scott McCloud takes "Making Comics" on the road with daughters
Some of you might be interested in this -- Scott McCloud is traveling the country talking about his work, which includes Understanding Comics, and its sequel, Reinventing Comics...

Book Review #1

2006-09-25T10:25:00.000-05:00

In addition to the titles mentioned before, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, is also on reserve at the Circulation Reserve Desk in Milne Library. It is available for a 4 hour loan. Bring your student ID if you would like to check it out and read it for your book review.

Reminder: Book Review #1 Due September 27th

2006-09-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

The first book review is due IN CLASS next week, September 27th. Out of the choices, (which are listed on the syllabus) the following titles are available for limited loan at the Circulation Desk in Milne Library:
Identity Crisis
A Contract with God (the edition on reserve is a trilogy, but you would only need to do the one listed here)
Volumes 1 & 3 of Sandman
V for Vendetta
Watchmen

Again, if you have a title you would like to review that is NOT on the syllabus, please see me after class today or sometime this coming week to get permission. Thanks!

Week #4 Reader Response

2006-09-15T15:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry this week's response is so late.
Watching last season's episodes of Lost...interferes with work...
Now, on to this week's post, which actually necessitates a two-part response on your end.

Part I:
In Understanding Comics, McCloud states, "...words -- are the ultimate abstraction". Do you agree or disagree, and Why? What do you think about McCloud's idea for a unified "language of comics"? What does that even mean?

Part II:
In Wright's book, Comic Book Nation, the author is piecing together a cultural history of comic books and as such, he is not interested in the aesthetics or the art form of comics. His interests lie in the cultural representation of the comic book in America. Knowing this, formulate a response to reading Chapter 1 from his book, "Superheroes for the Common Man: The Birth of the Comic Book Industry, 1933-1941". What does Wright have to say about the origins of the comic book phenomenon in America?

Editorial and Political Cartoons, Comic Strips

2006-09-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

Slate Magazine - Editorial and Political Cartoons, Comic Strips
For those of you who mentioned cartoons (political cartoons in particular) last night in our discussion about what "constitutes" comics, here is a great daily compilation of political & editorial cartoons from around the country, put up by Slate Magazine. Check it out...

Marvel Comic Book Creator

2006-09-14T15:37:00.000-05:00

Marvel Comic Book Creator
Ever wanted to create your own Marvel comic?

Boing Boing: Be in a Chris Ware comic strip

2006-09-12T07:37:00.000-05:00

Boing Boing: Be in a Chris Ware comic strip

Interesting -- what do others think about this?

How to get Reserve Readings

2006-09-12T07:25:00.000-05:00

For those with questions about the Reserve readings...
Reserve readings are different from the ERes readings -- they are found in Milne Library at the Circulation/Reserve Desk (huge desk to your right as you pass the statue in the lobby). Tell the student or library assistant at the desk that you have to check out a Reserve reading for your class (in this case, INTD 101) and your instructor is Pitcher. Then give the assistant the title of the book you want. They will then check the book out to you for a specified period of time -- in some cases it is 4 hours, in others 2 hours or as much as 1 day. Make sure to ASK if they don't tell you!
If you have any questions, just email me or stop by my office.

Week #3 Reader Response

2006-09-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

McCloud and Eisner both use the juxtaposition of images and text to create a working definition of comics. In your own words, what is the definition of the term "comics"? What does it mean to be a comic book? What is the criteria?
If comics are literature, how do they fit into the world of art?

Next Wednesday, we will begin to explore how comics are defined, using the reading from Eisner's book Comics & Sequential Art (behind the Circulation/Reserve desk in the library -- ask for it by title and my name; you can borrow it for a few hours) and the readings from McCloud. Be prepared to come and discuss!

**Add your comments by clicking on the "comments" link below this post. Your comments can be as long as you like. Don't censor yourself, but please write at least a paragraph responding to the question. Remember -- you have until Tuesday, September 12th at midnight to post a response.**

Book Review Guidelines

2006-09-07T21:24:00.000-05:00

Your first book review is due on September 27th. I will be sending you the guidelines through email, so check your inbox. Remember -- you only need to read and review one of the following comic books (trade paperbacks --NOT the individual issues!):

American Splendor, Harvey Pekar
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller et. al.
Identity Crisis, Brad Meltzer & Rags Morales
A Contract with God, Will Eisner
The Sandman (any volume), Neil Gaiman et. al.
Sin City: vol I: the hard goodbye, Frank Miller
V for Vendetta, Alan Moore & David Lloyd
Watchmen, Alan Moore

If you have another title (and doublecheck the syllabus to make sure its not one of the other titles for the other two book reviews) you want to review, please check with me first.

If you have any questions about the assignment, let me know -- stop by or send an email my way.

Eisner book

2006-09-05T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hello -- it looks like some of you have had problems getting the Eisner book from the bookstore. If you were not able to get the book yet, don't worry too much, we will discuss the chapters in class tomorrow. Do make sure to read the Inge (available on ERes). Read the Eisner when you get your copy.
As for the posts, keep 'em coming!

Week #2 Reader Response

2006-08-31T16:45:00.000-05:00

One of Will Eisner's leading tenets is that "The story is the most critical component in a comic". Does this ring true? Why is it the most critical component?
If you disagree, what would you argue is the most critical component and why?

**Add your comments by clicking on the "comments" link below this post. Your comments can be as long as you like. Don't censor yourself, but please write at least a paragraph responding to the question. Remember -- you have until Tuesday, September 5th at midnight to post a response.**

First Day of Class

2006-08-30T20:42:00.000-05:00

It was great meeting all of you -- I'm sure some of this stuff (blogging, ERes, etc.) is new, some is old hat, but if you have questions, please ask!
Phone is 245-5064 and again, office is Milne 201A.
Some further thoughts on the blog posts:
Posts should be about a paragraph or so in length -- however, if you feel the need to keep writing, don't let me stop you! Your comments should be a response to my post -- usually this will be a question on the reading to be done for the following week, so keep in mind that you may have to do the reading, read the blog, then comment.
Let me know where you encounter problems, so they can be fixed.
Reading for next week is Eisner, Chapters 1-5 and an ERes reading by Inge (will be in my ERes folder sometime tomorrow).
Remember -- you have until Tuesday PM of the following week to respond. Lets say midnight just to have a time deadline. That way I will have time to read and have a response/discussion set up for Wednesday's class.
I should have the post up by tomorrow around 4pm.
Have a good week!

Classroom location

2006-08-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

INTD 101: Understanding Comics will be meeting in Room 213 in Milne Library.

Welcome!

2006-08-10T18:18:00.000-05:00

The INTD 101 Understanding Comics blog is now activated! We will be using this blog as our forum for class discussion and assignments.