On Understanding Comics

Something that McCloud talks about in Understanding Comics that really resonated with me was when he touched on the subject of the reader projecting themselves onto the characters. This is something that I haven't ever really thought much about, but when McCloud contrasts characters that are realistic vs ones that are plainer and more cartoony it makes so much sense. Because of the lack of detail in a plain face, readers tend to add their own features subconsciously with out realizing. Sure even with a detailed character a reader can still sympathize based on experiences and emotions, but when we can actually read a comic that seems to literally be  us it's a completely different experience.

McCloud goes on to say that's why we identify with cartoons so much in our childhood, which I completely agree with. I would much rather have watched Scooby Doo over any live action children's show any day, because it felt easier to latch onto those simple characters and project yourself onto them and their adventures. I didn't care about the live action characters who's actors were the same people you saw on other stations or movies, that ruined the magic for me, all I wanted to know was who the Creeper turned out to be and what Scooby was going to do next.

He also says that if who the character is matters less, what they'll say will matter more. I think this is an outstanding way to think about it, and it makes so much sense. It makes me think of why I enjoy reading comics by one of my favorite current artists Emily Carroll. Her characters are so simple and plain looking, making it so that when they go through their lives whether they encounter tragic circumstances or a somewhat happy end, we can project ourselves onto what they are feeling because the reader can easily put our face onto the features of her characters.



Here is her website!

http://www.emcarroll.com/