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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of introduction does "Comics as a Form of Reading" use to discuss art?

2. The earliest use of balloons was in what type of art?

3. What conventions do comics rely on?

4. In Eisner's third example of "Contract with God" what drips from the heavy lettering?

5. In the Spirit story "Two Lives," which character is incarcerated?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did artists after the 16th century use expressions, postures, and backdrops to express their ideas?

2. How do people normally measure distance?

3. Describe the difference between time and timing.

4. When inscriptions reappeared in the 18th-century, what did artists use to arrange their thoughts and actions for the audience?

5. Describe the nature of calligraphy.

6. Besides the text in comics, what must the reader/viewer "read"?

7. Why is bridging gaps in the action a more visceral than intellectual activity?

8. Give a brief synopsis of Chapter 4.

9. What does communicating ideas involve?

10. What obstacle of the eye must the artist try to obliterate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Eisner specifies a very organized procedure for comic writers and artists. Comic writers and artists must follow this procedure together. Discuss the idea and importance of teamwork in comics. Support your claims with two examples taken from any chapter.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 6, Eisner discusses the history of repetitive glyphs and explains their importance in comics as a form of language. Compare and contrast the repetitive glyphs in early cave drawings, Egyptian friezes, hieroglyphics, and comics. How did these codes progress? How did comics draw upon and progress from these ancient examples?

Essay Topic 3

Chapter 4 specifies the technical aspects of perspective, communication, and interpretation. The contrast between visceral and intellectual is discussed in reference to the audience's interpretation of meaning. Explain why Eisner considers bridging the gaps in action between panels more of a visceral than intellectual activity. Cite two examples from Chapter 4 in your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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