Comic Review: Making Comics by Scott McCloud

For anyone interested in the theory and techniques of comics this is the comic book for you. Making Comics is the third in a series of non-fiction comic books created by acclaimed comics artist and theorist Scott McCloud. Other books in the series, Understanding Comics and Reinventing Comics have both explored what a comic is, how to tell stories through the medium, and considered the possibilities and innovations of comics going forward. Making Comics adds onto these book’s main ideas, and includes an almost overwhelming amount of other resources, exercises to improve skills, and examples of techniques in practice. Making Comics is the perfect read for anyone looking to create their own comic or understand the medium on a deeper level. 

After reading Understanding Comics as part of a sequential arts class, I decided to buy Making Comics to further my understanding of the medium. I became a fan of McCloud after reading The Sculptor, a graphic novel about an artist that exchanges his life for the ability to sculpt anything he wants. I was inspired by the storytelling techniques used, and often found myself lost in narrative. I knew that a book about how to make comics from someone who made such a well crafted story had to be worth the read. 

Making Comics is a comic about how to make comics. As meta as this is, it is the perfect way to not only deliver the information to the reader, but show them how it can be used effectively. It just goes to show the boundless possibilities that the medium of comics provides. The delivery and structure of the content is great for visual learners, which most comics artists and enjoyers are. The tips, techniques and examples are also a great opportunity for other kinds of visual artists- filmmakers, photographers, animators, storyboard artists, etc- to consider the limitations and advantages of their own medium and gain a deeper understanding of visual storytelling overall. There is no doubt that readers of this book will leave with a better understanding of the visual artistry of comics.   

“One of the reasons we all love stories is that they offer proposals for life’s meaning and purpose.”

Scott McCloud, Making Comics (69)

Each chapter is broken down into an overview of the subject, key concepts, then a deeper look at each of the key concepts. Concepts are explained well through visual aids and examples, which allows the reader to easily pick up on not just what the techniques of comics storytelling are, but also where, when, and why they are used. Each chapter concludes with additional notes from the author, going in even more depth on the concepts explored, and sometimes even providing insight into the decisions made for the novel itself. There are also exercises at the end of each chapter so you can put the techniques learned into practice. The novel concludes with a chapter for inspiration, letting the reader know just how infinite the possibilities of comics are, and encourages them to go out and make their own stories, all you need is a pen and some paper. 

Scott McCloud’s Making Comics will leave you with the itching desire to go out and make your own comic. There are plenty of exercises, resources, and further reading to get you started on your journey to making, reading, and understanding comics. 

Resources and Further Reading

Find Making Comics at your local library or bookstore!

Scott McCloud  http://www.scottmccloud.com/

Other works by Scott McCloud: ttps://www.scottmccloud.com/2-print/index.html 

Buy online: https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/scott-mccloud/199349/

The HoneyDripper is the Savannah College of Art and Design’s juried comics and illustration blog, dedicated to publishing, promoting, and showcasing the finest in student work.​