Comments on: Talking About Art in Reviews

By: Johanna

Johanna — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:01:16 +0000

I guess, if I was going for glib summation, I’d say that there’s a difference between appreciating art and liking to look at the pictures. :)

By: Dave White

Dave White — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:43:13 +0000

Oh believe me, I was one of those folks writing reviews back on Usenet. There are ways to talk about the art without having it in front of you (though it’s certainly a lot easier when people can see what you’re referring to).

I suppose you’re right about the appeal of comics not being visual. Certainly, there are plenty of people out there who enjoy TV shows and movies without knowing anything about cinematography. I guess since comics are a niche medium (American ones, at least), I’ve always assumed that anyone who was into them had to have at least SOME interest in the art.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:52:12 +0000

Bear in mind that many of a certain generation of critics came to it through text-based media: the net in the early days, or fanzines or other print publications. Including art was, until recently, a time-intensive effort, much more so than writing a lot. (And in the worst case, reproducing too much art gets you nasty legal letters. Talking too much just gets you badmouthed. :) )

People who make comics *should* do more reviewing, although that quickly gets very tricky politically. And as you say, arts education frequently gets short shrift, including having school budgets cut.

Let’s get back to your first proposition: is the appeal of comics primarily visual? Certainly, yes, for many people, but for those hooked on monthly serialized narratives about the unusual, I don’t think the quality of the art is all that important to them if it’s at least competent.

By: Dave White

Dave White — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:40:52 +0000

Given that the entire essence and appeal of comics is visual, I’m always surprised by how little discussion there is of the art. I think the problem is, as you’ve noted, a lot of the people reviewing comics don’t necessarily know how to analyze or express what they’re seeing, and the people who can do so aren’t reviewing comics (usually because they’re making them).

Then again, given the number of people I’ve encountered who think all manga looks the same, and the number of people who think Rob Liefeld and David Finch are competent aritsts, maybe I shouldn’t be surprised. Even though the number of people participating in the arts seems to be up, the quality of arts education seems to be way down.

Anyway, I always do appreciate it when people take time to talk about the art, which is one of the reasons I enjoy your reviews.

By: MangaBlog » Blog Archive » Opinionated linkblogging

MangaBlog » Blog Archive » Opinionated linkblogging — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:34:59 +0000

[...] senior manga editor Katherine Dacey, for Blog@Newsarama. Johanna Draper Carlson chimes in with her thoughts on discussing art in [...]

By: Johanna

Johanna — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:07:41 +0000

Wow. I put “How to Review” out there in the hopes it would be helpful, but it’s the kind of thing you never know if anyone actually does find useful. Thanks for letting me know.

By: Dan Grendell

Dan Grendell — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:14:19 +0000

I think your essay, “How to Review”, and the quality of your reviews influences many more online reviewers than you think, Johanna. I know the essay was a big influence on me, specifically on addressing art (I have no art training either, so it’s always difficult for me as well), and others I’ve spoken to have cited it.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:33:57 +0000

I was really touched. It’s something I struggle with as well, but I do have the advantage of an in-house tutor with lots of experience. Thanks so much for the mention! And for correcting my error about PCS.

By: Katherine Dacey

Katherine Dacey — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:16:50 +0000

Hi, Johanna! I mentioned your blog because I think you strike a good balance between analyzing story and analyzing art–something that’s a struggle for someone like me with no formal training as an artist or comics editor. I was also thinking of your essay “How to Review,” in which you offer some practical tips for discussing artwork in the context of a comic review.

As for your question about PopCultureShock, we’re not run by Midtown Comics–we’re actually a separate entity. There is some overlap in personnel, which contributes to the impression that Midtown has a stake in PCS. Hope that clarifies things.