Comics as an Underappreciated Art Form

The purpose of Understanding Comics is to stimulate a debate about the inclusion of comics as an art form. McCloud believes that comics are much older than generally thought. He even provides evidence of pre-Columbian art as proof of the origin of comics, although he does not care to speculate as to the exact location and date that comics is born. McCloud explains that the word comics have such a negative connotation that many comics artists prefer to call themselves illustrators, commercial artists, or cartoonists. Many of the best examples of comics are not recognized as such, since the definition of comics used by many is far too narrow.

McCloud also points out that society does not readily accept the use of pictures and words together as art. Although children are encouraged to read picture books, the prevailing school of thought dictates that...