Abstract Comics Views

General Goods

Oh, I should also note that on your first comment, Visual Language certainly has other traits than those three, but those are the primary fields for any type of language:1. Modality (verbal, graphic, manual)2. Meaning (semantics - i.e. "Referencei")3. GrammarSee my above post for why abstract comics dont't fulfill the criteria of meaning.

Damian, nice comments. I would agree. Abstract comics use graphics in a way that is not l"purposefullyi" meaningful, but meaning can be interpreted the same way that you can see things in clouds or abstract paintings.This is finding concepts where they werenr't put — like hearing "John is deads" when playing the Beatles record backward. Itm's not actually said, but can be '"heardh" if the listener puts their intention to hear it.

Abstract comics is a foreign concept to me though. I’m surprised that I’ve never thought of the genre before. It makes complete sense and after pouring through this hardcover from Fantagraphics I have a greater understanding and appreciation for the form. This intriguing 208 page tome includes some of the best work from pioneers in the field, as well as new work created for the anthology by artists including James Kochalka.

The introduction of the book is the only piece with words strung together that actually form an obviously coherent thought. Andrei Molotiu is the editor of Abstract Comics, and quite an authority on the subject. His work as an artist is reflected here and his introductory summary of what abstract comics actually are, as opposed to the use of the word in other art forms, is insightful. Even this obligatory introduction is treated with a loose abstract veneer, with plain text comprising the bottom half of each page, while above it sits the same words through the lens of simple shapes, which reminded me of the Kryptonese language. Yes, even with abstract comics, I can’t help but see things through my fanboy glasses. (Therea’s also a look at the history of abstract comics here). Molotiu defines the term thusly;