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Sarawak State Library

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The Patterns of Comics : Visual Languages of Comics from Asia, Europe, and North America

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Call no.
: 741.59/COH
Author
: Neil Cohn
Contributor
: Nur Asikin Binti Ahmad
Summary
The Patterns of Comics by Neil Cohn is a comprehensive exploration of the visual languages that underpin comics across different cultures. Building upon his previous works, Cohn delves into the structural elements of comics, analyzing how symbology, layout, and storytelling conventions vary across Asia, Europe, and North America. Through a data-driven approach, the book examines over 36,000 panels from more than 350 comics, providing a nuanced understanding of the medium's evolution over 80 years. One of the key features of the book is its comparative analysis of subtypes within American comics and Japanese manga, as well as a detailed study of Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes across its decade-long run. This examination reveals how different cultures have developed distinct visual languages in comics, influenced by their unique historical and social contexts. Cohn's work not only uncovers patterns within individual panels but also connects these regularities to the broader organizing principles of all languages, offering insights into the cognitive processes involved in visual storytelling. The book serves as both a scholarly resource and a guide for readers interested in the intricate art of comic book creation and interpretation. This book is an essential read for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the visual and cultural dimensions of comics.