#5

After reading chapters 2 and 5 of Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud if feel that I have a better understanding for not only comics but icons, art, and communication. The reading explores formal aspects of comics, the historical development of the medium, its fundamental vocabulary, and various ways in which these elements have been used.

The reading begins with the narrating character discussing the implications of the Magritte painting, "The Treachery of Images." Although the subject of the painting is a common pipe, the artist's message reads, "This is not a pipe." The phrase though is French and not readily understood by the intended audience. As Scott explains, this really is not a pipe, nor is it a painting of a pipe. It is actually ten copies of a drawing of a painting of a pipe, when one considers that each panel on the two opening pages depicting the painting actually represents one copy. Scott uses this example to demonstrate one of the many uses of icons, or images used to represent a person, place, thing, or idea. Scott explains that there are three different types of icons. Symbols, including peace signs, company logos, and the like, are one type. The letters of the alphabet, mathematical icons, and musical notes are part of icons related to science, language, and communication. Finally there are picture icons that are intended to actually resemble their subject.  

It was very easy to understand this reading and to stay engaged with it because it was in the very medium it was discussing. It is a nice break from purely text based readings. McCloud defines a cartoon as an image simplified down to its core meaning. These icons become universally understood and in turn amplify their power and meaning to the reader.  It is natural that a reader will begin to self-identify within the icons. Comic artists are attempting to appeal to readers' senses and emotions. McCloud believes that emotions can be made visible, even when just portrayed as ink on paper. Scott explains that the idea that a picture can evoke an emotional or sensual response in the viewer is vital to the art of comics. The classic painting, "The Scream" is provided as an example. Emotions and senses can be portrayed either within or between individual panels in comics. Scott explores the history behind expressionistic art in comics.

The fact that comics are so broadly defined is essentially what McCloud finds so wonderful about this genre. It isn’t limited to just pictures or just texts, or just the combination of both. Comics aren’t just cartoons or limited to fantasy or science fiction and they aren’t created for any specific age group as one may typically assume. Comics are an entire medium of graphic artistry used to visually and mentally stimulate readers and create reactions. Restrictions are thin and tools are vast, McCloud exclaims “No schools of art are banished by our definition, no philosophies, no movements, no ways of seeing are out of bounds!”

I enjoyed this reading for the very reasons that McCloud claims the medium to effective. It was informative and yet very engaging. I have a better understanding of icons, in terms of both their use and power.