Often one of the first questions I ask someone upon meeting them is, "Have you read Understanding Comics? Because if not, I can't speak with you until you do. Go on. I'll wait." It's an understatement to say I love this book.

In _Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art_, Scott McCloud dissects the world's most popular visual art form, attempting to decode its DNA, to reveal just what makes it tick.

McCloud cleverly exploits the medium of comics to reflect upon it, startling readers with realizations and observations that had always been in front of their faces, but never before made so clear.

The title is unintentionally misleading, as McCloud's technique applies to all manner of visual presentation--it's become a hit not just with comics artists, but with graphic artists, user interface designers, and game developers as well. His thoughts on iconography, identification, closure, color, and juxtaposition range far and wide.

Additionally, there's a revealing discussion of the creative process that's as thorough, yet simple, as any I've read.

And, perhaps most importantly, the book is fun to read. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It gets its points across with humor and brevity. This deserves respect; as a friend once wrote me, "Understanding Comics is the best book about semiotics that doesn't use the word 'semiotics.'"





Recommended: Yes