Scott McCloud

This was recommended as a book graphic designers should read -- and the reviews were great -- here I am. I knew little of comics and thought fairly low of them, so I didn't know what to expect.

What you have here is a super-effective method of storytelling, comics and the way this book is written, that makes you fly through the book in a few nights. Each page is thoroughly drawn and thoroughly written on a thoroughly well-thought out, under-appreciated subject. The author explains his examples through word and image, and often gets meta, which helps keep you along for the ride. The history of where comics came from and where they sit now was completely lost on me. The history and science of art was dutifully explained and he was always met upcoming objections with a witty answer.

Many aspects venn-diagram into design and graphic arts.

The biggest takeaway I have at this very moment is -- images are an effective way to help tell a story. They can enhance emotion subtly in the background, replace words momentarily, reference icons which the reader may relate to, use the same techniques of artists from days of ol to accomplish whatever goal they want the viewer to do. Why skimp out on visuals if it helps tell your story better?… (more)