Understanding Comics Chapter 3

Study Notes

Comic Terminology and Concepts

Closer: Refers to the cognitive process of observing individual parts while comprehending the whole. It is often used to create suspense or to engage the audience fully.
Gutter: The space between comic panels that invites readers' imagination to connect separate images into a cohesive idea. It plays a crucial role in bridging moments in storytelling.
Western Art and Literature: Characterized by a goal-oriented culture that tends not to deviate from a direct path in narratives and artistic expression.
Eastern Art and Literature: Features a rich tradition of cyclical themes and maze-like structures, highlighting a different approach to narrative and thought.

Types of Transitions in Comics

Moment to Moment: This transition requires minimal reader interpretation, focusing on small increments of change between closely related images.
Action to Action: Depicts a single subject performing various tasks over a series of panels, capturing a narrative movement within the same scene.
Subject to Subject: Moves between different subjects while maintaining the same scene or concept. This transition involves more significant reader engagement and cognitive effort.
Scene to Scene: Facilitates jumps across significant spans of time and space, allowing for broader narrative shifts.
Aspect to Aspect: Omits time progression, instead focusing on various facets of a setting or idea, encouraging exploration and reflection.
Non-Sequitter: A rare technique in modern comics that presents panels with no logical connection, challenging readers to find a relationship between them, if any exists.

Description

Explore key terms and concepts from Chapter 3 of 'Understanding Comics'. This flashcard quiz focuses on definitions like 'Closer' and 'Gutter', essential for grasping the artistic techniques employed in comics. Test your knowledge and enhance your appreciation for the medium!