Here You Go, Educators of the World

Questions on Understanding Comics Chapter 1:

1. According to Scott McCloud, “the potential of comics is _______________ and _______________ !” (p. 3)

2. What term did Will Eisner use to describe comics? (p.5)

3. Explain the difference between medium and content. Answer in complete sentences. (p.6)

4. What six other media does McCloud give as examples? (p.6)

5. What is McCloud’s definition of comics? (p.9)

6. When was the pre-Columbian picture manuscript discovered by Cortes? (p.10)

7. What story does the Bayeux Tapestry tell? (p.12 – 13)

8. What event looms large over the history of comics? (p.15)

9. Describe some of the events shown in “The Tortures of Saint Erasmus.” (p.16)

10. Describe the work of William Hogarth. (p.16)

11. Describe the artwork of Rodolphe Topffer. (p.17)

12. When did newspaper comics start to appear? (p.18)

13. According to McCloud, why are many “inspired and innovative comics” not usually seen as comics? Answer in complete sentences. (p.18)

14. According to McCloud, why is a single panel not comics? (p.20)

15. What is the difference between cartoons and comics? (p.21)

16. What are some of the genres McCloud lists? (p.22)

17. What are some of the things McCloud says are not mentioned in his definition of comics? (p.22)

18. Describe the way Scott McCloud draws himself. Be specific.

19. What are the main points McCloud is making in this chapter? Summarize the main ideas. Answer in complete sentences.

20. Do you think McCloud does a good job explaining his ideas in this chapter? Why or why not? Be specific.