Understanding Comics Ch.9

In the last chapter of Understanding Comics, Scott McCloud explains why he thinks comics are an important medium. In his explanation, McCloud claims that this particular medium relates to the "human condition of isolation." He believes that every person lives within their own worlds, unable to fully communicate with others around them. Because of this, mediums such as comics and other art are created to make some communication possible or "bridge the gap between one person's mind and another." In regards to understanding this particular medium, McCloud believes that the communication between artist and audience can also be improved. Often times, and with certain art forms such as minimalist, abstract, or even comics the narrative is lost and the audience is left without feeling any connection to the artist or artwork. Although diverse interpretations are encouraged, McCloud believes that understanding the reason behind a piece of art work will preserve the connection between artist and audience. At times the reasons may be ambiguous or not even there at all. However, along with basic understanding comes appreciation for the art form. After reading this book, I see how this argument makes sense. I never really considered comics to be a legitimate form of art. I did consider them to be an art form, but I never took it too seriously. Although I do not feel that McCloud's intentions were to have readers go off an interpret each meaning within a panel of a comic, I do think that he intended to communicate why he thinks comics are important. This has caused me to appreciate comics more and of course, begin to understand them the way McCloud hopes we all would.