How does Scott McCloud define the term icon?

​Understanding and Developing Icons That Work There are many things that could be considered an “icon,” so let’s start with a clear definition from Scott McCloud in ‘Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art”: An icon is any image used to represent a person, place, thing, or idea.

What is the vocabulary of the language called comics?

Words, pictures and other icons are the vocabulary of the language called comics. The picture plane is the realm of the object, where shapes, lines and colors can be themselves and not pretend otherwise.

What role do icons and symbols play in providing meaning in comics?

In order for comics to work, illustrators use a visual vocabulary called “icons” to represent information that can be, but is not necessarily visual. Instead, it can appeal to other senses, or it can bring us into the realm of abstract thought and feeling.

Does McCloud consider comics to be art Why or why not?

In Chapter 7, Scott McCloud talks about comics as an art form. McCloud defines art as “a way we assert our identities as individuals and break out of the narrow roles nature casts us in” (p. 166) It can be used as discovery, truth, exploration, and foundation of language as well. Everything we do is an element of art.

What role do icons symbols play in providing meaning in comics?

What is the relationship between words and symbols?

The symbol is the word that represents the thought, and the referent is the object or idea to which the symbol refers. This model is useful for us as communicators because when we are aware of the indirect relationship between symbols and referents, we are aware of how common misunderstandings occur.

What is subjective motion in comics?

“Objective” motion lines (A) use a line that is symbolic of the path an object travels, while “subjective” motion lines (B) “blur” the background as if the viewer were moving at the same pace as the object. In subjective viewpoints (C) the panel is shown through the perspective of a character in the narrative.

Why are icons important in comics?

Importantly, icons, including symbols and cartoons (at different levels of abstraction), function as a way to communicate to comic readers. Icons can be understood as an image utilized to represent a place, person, object or idea.

How do our senses produce closure in comics?

Closure in comics is the “phenomenon of observing the parts but perceiving the whole” (McCloud, pg. 63). In other words, closure is the act of mentally filling in the gaps of what we observe, thus allowing readers to comprehend the action and meaning between two seemingly unrelated panels.