The Effectiveness of Comics in Displaying Critical Information

This week for class we read a chapter from Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics. The piece discusses how, in popular culture, we see comics and the pairing of words and images as childish or less intellectual (140). McCloud argues, “as a result-- and despite its many other potential uses-- comics have become firmly identified with the art of storytelling” (152). It discusses and defines 7 ways in which words and pictures can combine in comics (153-155). These include:

• word specific
• picture specific
• additive 
• parallel 
• montage
• duo-specific 
• interdependent 

For the prompt this week, we are asking you to argue whether or not you believe the pairing of words
and images in a comic format is effectual for conveying important information (such as political
messages, social justice messages, or educational information.) Once you choose a side, find a
comic or word/image pairing online that you believe supports your claim. Identify which word and
picture combination is being used in your found image. 

Prompt: 

1. Decide whether you want to argue for or against the use of comics to convey critical information.
2. Find a comic (or word and image pairing) that you believe supports your claim (either in that it is effectual or ineffectual).
3. Explain the context of the comic.
4. Identify which word and picture combination that is being used in it.