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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 are "still" scenes used to bridge the gap between movie scripts and final photography on motion pictures?

2. What is the absolute ratio of words to picture in comics?

3. How big is the simplified script when determining an agreement between artist and writer?

4. When Eisner shows a segment of script in which an escaping fugitive falls down a manhole, how does he first show it?

5. How many panels must an action sometimes be broken into to clarify the action?

Short Essay Questions

1. Give a brief synopsis of Chapter 5.

2. Why do purely instructional comics often use humor?

3. What temptation do artists have to detract from the text?

4. Explain why comic writers first create a written script of their idea and story/plot, including narrative and dialog (balloons).

5. Give a brief synopsis of Chapter 7.

6. Why do entertainment comics deny to the readers/viewers much of the freedom they would enjoy in pure prose?

7. Why are comic book artists frequently hired to produce storyboards for movie scripts and motion pictures?

8. Why are technical skills mandatory for comic book artists?

9. How does the "blue line" method work?

10. How has technology challenged the individuality of artists?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapter 3 examines the function of balloons in comics. Balloons are meant to contain speech and illustrate visual sound. Though their job is to order and arrange the storyline, is it possible for balloons inhibit or hinder the meaning of a panel? Support your argument with at least two logical examples.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 4, the emphasis on the artist's particular "style" in comics demonstrates that there are many styles to choose from and that each has its own unique characteristics. However, the artist's style must still express meaning to the audience. Discuss four ways in which an artist's style can help or hinder the audience to understand a comic.

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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