UNDERSTANDING COMICS

What is the most accurate definition of a comic?

• Juxtaposed pictorial and other images in deliberate sequence, intended to convey information and/or produce an aesthetic response in the viewer

• A group of pictures on a page that illustrate a story

• A way to tell a story using both words and pictures

Answer explanation

Comics don't just use pictures or just use words, they use both together, in order, to create a story for the readers. Using symbols and icons to help as well.

An icon is an image used to represent a person, place, thing, and/or

A symbol is a type of icon and they are images used to represent...

• Concepts

• People

• Ideas

• Philosophies

Is this a symbol?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Yes, because it is an icon used to represent a sound in a comic

This symbol is not a non-pictorial icon?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This icon is a non-pictorial icon because no matter how it is drawn it will always mean the same thing

Pictorial Icon's have _____ and VARIABLE meanings

Non-Pictorial Icons have FIXED and _____ meanings

What happens when you simplify an image?

• The story becomes harder to follow

• The image becomes more relatable, simpler is better (sometimes)

• We lose the artistic sense of the comic

• The audience will focus too much on the words

Photo realism is when the artist of a comic book makes characters that look like real people, fostering...

Draw your best version of a cartoon figure!