Episode #66- "Understanding Comics" [Discussion]

[six-gun]

If you're not entirely clear on how these comic books work, iFanboy has got a show for you. Ron, Josh, and Conor delve into Scott McCloud's seminal work, Understanding Comics (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006097625X?ie=UTF8&tag=ifanboycom-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=006097625X), which is far more interesting than it might at first seem. Get a look at McCloud's interesting, yet academic take on what exactly a comic book is, how it works, and why the art form is so effective and unique. You may not have thought you needed to read this book, but you'll be surprised at how much you didn't know about comics.

Then, after he was sure you understood comics, McCloud went on to make Reinventing Comics (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060953500?ie=UTF8&tag=ifanboycom-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0060953500), and then Making Comics (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060780940?ie=UTF8&tag=ifanboycom-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0060780940).

Watch the show and tell everyone what you think! (http://ifanboy.com/podcasts/video/iFanboy_-_Episode__66__Understanding_Comics)

[six-gun]

Just thought I'd help out since the guys were at NYCC

[superfriend82]

Just thought I'd help out since the guys were at NYCC

Thats really cool of you six.I have't got to it yet.

[six-gun]

Thats really cool of you six.I have't got to it yet.

It's a great one. My favorite in a while

[tad]

Great show, nice take on the book.

[cormano]

I enjoyed the discussion on Understanding Comics, but I wish the other two books were left out entirely and saved for their own episodes. I haven't read Making Comics, but I recently re-read Reinventing Comics… and holy shit, that book has been out for eight years and is still ahead of it's time. I hated it when I read it the first time in tenth grade but now I have a better understanding on how the internet is really affecting everything and a better grasp on some of the cultural stuff that he talks about.

Scott McCloud sounded insane in 2000, in 2008 he sounds like a genius from the near future. I really hope the other iFanboys read it and we get another episode in the future.

[six-gun]

I enjoyed the discussion on Understanding Comics, but I wish the other two books were left out entirely and saved for their own episodes. I haven't read Making Comics, but I recently re-read Reinventing Comics… and holy shit, that book has been out for eight years and is still ahead of it's time. I hated it when I read it the first time in tenth grade but now I have a better understanding on how the internet is really affecting everything and a better grasp on some of the cultural stuff that he talks about.

Scott McCloud sounded insane in 2000, in 2008 he sounds like a genius from the near future. I really hope the other iFanboys read it and we get another episode in the future.

I just added reinventing comics to my amazon shopping cart. Is it as meta?

[labor_days]

A subject near and dear to my heart. I am very concerned with the craft of art and media; that which is implied via the idiom & medium. And of course, the effectiveness of communication.

Good episode, but at times I wish the iFanboys guys could go longer on on the episodes. Or at least breakdown the conversation into two episodes. Some subjects are better served by a lengthier discussion ("Alan", "Post-Modern", "Continuity"). I enjoy their take on things. Yeah, this was good.


Also, on the subject of Eisner incorporating all the techniques and devices McCloud speaks of in the book; Terry Moore did all of that as well in Strangers In Paradise. Which is overlooked in it's craft due to the huge convoluted story of the series. But really, SiP was as much, perhaps more so, an achievement in craftsmanship as story.

Just wanted to put that forth as a modern example of a creator using the techniques in sequential art McCloud discussed in the book.

Cormano OTM w/r/t Reinventing Comics. That was some next level shit McCloud was on at the time.

[horatio616]

Like Conor, I never thought this was something I needed to read, but, after watching this, I want to.

You guys should write McCloud and see if he notices a sales spike for his books. I remember seeing Zot! when I was younger, but never tried it out.

Strangely, you guys flashed a few panels from Cerebus (Issue 94, I think), which happens to be my favorite Cerebus scene of all time. I had those same panels pasted on my myspace page (back when I had one). Weird coincidence!

[zombox]

I actually used to talk to Scott a lot online. He really has a strong understanding of comic books and comic media. He's also a pretty nice guy. Maybe you could do an actual interview?

[casually-drowned]

I just ordered this from Amazon, and I am looking forward to another great recommendation.

[kahunablair]

I know it was brought up in the show a bit, but has anyone been checking out his webcomics?
I used to follow them like crazy a few years back. His stuff really is awesome.

The Infinite Canvas idea of his is great. I just don't think it will ever really catch on in our generation.

[mjm05k]

Went to Barnes and Noble yesterday and saw both Understanding Comics and Making Comics on the "3 for 2" table. No sign of Reinventing Comics anywhere though.

[kahunablair]

Went to Barnes and Noble yesterday and saw both Understanding Comics and Making Comics on the "3 for 2" table. No sign of Reinventing Comics anywhere though.

My B&N only had Reinventing Friday. Care to switch? :D

[gungadin]

Reinventing killed my mind. I got about halfway through and then I realized it'd deflated a quarter of the book ago.

[cenquist]

I still haven't watched the podcast and I have the book on my que to buy on amazon....should I watch first or read first?

[gungadin]

I don't think it matters. It'll still make your mind popcorn.

[jaflanagan]

It's not a story, so you should have no fear of watching the show. It'll definitely let you know if you still want to buy it or not.

[cenquist]

I got that it wasn't a story and you wouldn't really spoil anything for me. The book sounds interesting enough that I will buy it.

[mharrison]

I just picked up McCloud's Zot!: 1997-1991, which is all of his black and white Zot issues in one volume. Zot is a comic I always wanted to read but never knew where to get the beginning of the story, so this looks awesome. I have read the first few pages and the story is quite interesting so far.