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Less is More

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     Reading chapter 2 of McCloud's Understanding Comics, I came to understand that when it comes to comics and iconography, less is more. McCloud defines cartooning as "a form of amplification through simplification" (30). He explains why a simple face consisting of a round circle, two dots, and a line, is more significant/relatable than a detailed image of a face. When we talk or interact with others, we are unable to see our own faces. Instead, we unconsciously imagine what our facial expression must look like to the other person. This visual is normally vague and simple. Thus, McCloud concludes, this is  why humans better relate to simple drawings of the human face. That, since we vaguely visualize ourselves, we better relate to these representations in comparison to highly detailed images. This made me think of the famous Peanuts comics by Charles Schulz. The comics are simple in style. They lack color and detail and yet Schulz's simple black lines manage to invoke a sense of familiarity. Because they lack specific identifying markers, these characters are easy to relate to. I remember being young and relating  to Charlie Brown. In specific how he felt about homework assignments. Personally, I found this to be quite interesting. I always assumed that great art and visual icons required "sophisticated" art techniques and extensive detailing, similar to more "elegant" writing. Yet, I have to say, I agree with McCloud's statement. Less is more. Just like in writing, while long descriptive writing might seem as better writing, sometimes the most impact and influential writing, is the writing that uses simple language. The style of writing that mirrors our natural way of speaking. This style of writing, seems more natural and therefore more comforting. Just like simple visual art seems to feel more natural and comforting for the viewers.

     I think another interesting example would be superheroes. In comics, superheroes are given vague facial features. Sometimes, none at all. Superheroes like Iron Man and Spider man use masks, thus hiding any facial features. And while yes, Tony Stark and Peter Parker do have faces, when the superheroes are in action, these faces are not being shown. I would think it would be easier for a fan to relate to the character if he/she can imagine his or herself behind the mask. Growing up, I loved Wonder woman, simply because she was a female character and she had dark hair. Those two characteristics allowed me to connect with the character. If this character was given more defined features- specific characteristics that I cannot relate too- as a child I may have connected more with a different superhero instead. So far, I have found it extremely interesting just how much psychology is involved in iconography.

Works Cited:
McCloud, Scott. "Understanding Comics: Writing and Art." Harper Perennial. 1994.
Romberger, James. "Charles Schulz: High Anxiety." The Hooded Utalitarian. 2011.
        https://www.hoodedutilitarian.com/2011/04/charles-schulz-high-anxiety/

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