“Understanding Comics” is not so much like a typical comic book that aims to entertain. Whereas, “Understanding Comics” is informative and “sort of a comic book about comics!” (McCloud 6). Before reading this, I have never touched a comic book before even though I have seen them lying in my brother’s room. The reason why I do not read them is just how McCloud describes – as comics have the stereotypes that are less useful compared to the actual book or novel. I was totally wrong as I am currently so surprised by how complex it is to compose a comic book.
Since it was my first time in a comic book, I definitely see the differences between a book and a comic. it seems very interesting to see the different logical order of reading comics. I like how there are images everywhere. Sometimes I do catch myself off guard looking at these images rather than reading. Lastly, I feel like comics are very powerful as it does not fit a certain standard or ways of writing. I like how it is less formal but effective in sending the message to the audience. For instance, the bolding or some words, the capitalization of specific phrases, and unique borders which add to create a new emotion to the readers. It ultimately gave room for the audience to make their own interpretations.
I ultimately like how McCloud puts it out that “it should be kept in mind at all times that this world is only one — (start a new panel) — of many possible worlds”(23). It emphasizes how we shouldn’t limit ourselves to one single aspect because it does not cover everything. It is interesting to see that comics are everywhere – even in Egyptian hieroglyphs. Moreover, throughout the chapters, he seems to be revisiting the idea that “our attempts to define comics are an on-going process which won’t end any time soon” (McCloud 23).