Comics

In reading Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics, the author points out that comics are "usually crude, poorly-drawn, semi-literate, cheap..." and it is because of this that society often perceives comics poorly, perhaps as immature or less admirable (McCloud 3). But as he continues to argue comics rightful place among well accepted artists, he encourages his reader to question art as a whole. What is art and in what way does it exist in society?

One artist who came to mind was the American Pop Artist, Roy Lichtenstein. His works are largely influenced by comics and advertising, two highly industrial forms of art. His technique, which mimics the appearance of commercial printing along with his use of onomatopoeia, dialogue and panels all resemble the style of a comic yet his work which faces challenges of mass media and social critique has elevated this aesthetic to one of admiration and surprise. It is this simple style which makes his content more acceptable to the public and creates the question of what art can look like. Liechtenstein's work wasn't always as well accepted as today, he shares with McCloud an understanding "that the potential of comics is limitless and exciting" and further, art can exist in a range of form (3).