Unlock the Secrets of the Comics Universe: A Comprehensive Guide to the Art of Visual Storytelling

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Italy on Oct 11, 2023

RM: Still reading the book, but, had to hit the pause button once I reached page 23, the last page of Chapter One.

Not because I quickly grew bored of the book, rather, my mind refused to process the short definition applied to the term "Comics", i.e., Sequential Art, which is presented at this stage of the book.

After wrestling with the short definition for a couple of minutes, I eventually modified it to " Sequential Imagery" that was later validated (in my mind) by Scott McCoud's definition of an "Icon" which reads, "Any image used to represent a person, place, thing, or idea.".

For me, the term "Art" goes beyond images, i.e., sculptures, performances, music, etc.

Therefore, this book made me think more about the topic which is why I'm giving it five stars.

Fascinating read thus far which goes beyond the boundaries of comics as we understand the term today.

United States on Sep 09, 2023

Steven: This book will open your mind to many new concepts about comics even if your a comic pro your guaranteed to learn some new ideas or outlooks on the art of comics.

United States on Aug 14, 2023

Arun N: This is a master piece for designers who deals with story telling in theat job roles... If designing is your bread and butter then this is a must read..

India on Aug 06, 2023

Mikayla Tyce: Brilliant.

United States on Jul 11, 2023

Amazon Customer: Brilliant book

United Kingdom on May 07, 2023

Amazon Customer: I'm not normally one to write a review, normally I just buy a product at that is it. I am currently undergoing a solo comic book project involving script writing and illustration. I had read good stuff about this book so I bought a copy and I was not disappointed. Reading through, Scott highlighted certain areas that I took a second to realise I had already had these thought processes but not realised. It also opened me up to more information that I was not aware of and taught me things about comics that date way back.I like the idea that this was informative and in the style of a comic, pure genius. 10/10 for me and a brilliant read.

United Kingdom on May 04, 2023

Dogg Almighty: I bought this for a 13 year old who asked me what an icon was. I suggested she start at chapter 2, then go back to the beginning. The language and illustrations are great teaching material, and the tone seemed to appeal to her developing maturity. Recommended.

United Kingdom on Mar 30, 2023

Lockszmith: Scott McCloud is doing something phenomenal in this book. Not only providing a guide to the sequential imagery of story telling that is comics, he does do with a mastery of the craft.

I did not grow up with comics being ubiquitous, there were no comic book stores where I lived (I'm not originally from the US, came here as an adult) - however I did like reading comic books in my childhood and youth. The medium always fascinated me.

As and adult, now living in the US, access has become much easier, the range of what's available is staggering. This book can not only helped me understand the medium even better, it helped me create a deeper emotional bond with it. It also provides as a guide of sorts of prominent works, authors and artists that are worth checking out.

It has been published in 1993, but the points made and the content still holds up.

If you always thought comics was "just for kids", give this book a chance - it will not only change your mind - it will reveal the wonderful world you missed, and guide you through it.

If you always liked comics, but wanted to learn about it's evolution and history - this book will be a joyous ride that...

United States on Oct 19, 2021

ParaNormal: I purchased this item, along with McCloud's other book Making Comics, to teach a course on comics in English to art students at Cheongju University in South Korea. Both of these books really lend themselves to teaching, each one is divided into chapters which discuss specific comic concepts and elements. Two excellent chapters:

The first chapter in Understanding Comics is great because it discusses the history of comics, and some great activities can be done having students think about and search for comics in the real world and instances of comics in history. This chapter really validates the fact that comics are interesting and useful, rather than just being treated as a 'fake' art or a 'not really real' subject.

Chapter three is excellent because it breaks down transitions not only in American comics, but European and Asian comics as well, and explains his thoughts as to why these differences exist. This allows students to compare the differences and broaden their understanding of how different cultures think differently. This chapter also discusses how comics are subtractive, and lends itself to an excellent lesson whereupon students can draw comics with many...

United States on May 10, 2007