Taylor's Blog

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud provides a broad spectrum of information in a graphic format. McCloud makes several interesting points, most memorably breaking down the idea of people seeing themselves in cartoons. As McCloud writes, the less specifically and less detailed that a face is drawn, the more it generally looks like any average person walking down the street. Because of this, we are more likely to recognize ourselves in the face that we see in a cartoon. Although I think this is an interesting idea, I don't entirely agree with McCloud's point. From my own understanding, cartoon characters are relatable to us because they are simplified; however, my opinion differs in the reasoning for cartoons being simplified. From what I can remember as an ex-animation student, it's less so that people are more likely to see themselves in the image, and more because audiences, especially children, have pretty short attention spans and are more likely to have their at...

The Arrival by Shaun Tan exemplifies the use of the visual image rather than written language to express distinct ideas. Despite a lack of written explanation or even a specified time and place, the message of the piece is abundantly clear through its visual expression. Most notably The Arrival transports us into its story by using clear expressions and some recognizable norms so that there isn't any guess work in what's happening in the story. The clear emotions on the family's faces, the symbolism of a packed bag and photos, mementos, etc. illustrate this. However, part of what makes The Arrival so impactful and immersive are the things that aren't clear or explained, like the invented language/symbols, exotic foods, and strange creatures. All of this makes the reader uncomfortable in their lack of understanding, just as the main character of the story feels lost and uncomfortable trying to make a life for himself in this new and strange place. He sets up a home,...