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Clarification of Critique Categories

Comics are a visual medium that combines story and art to create a unique form of expression. There are many criteria that comics can be reviewed on. In thinking about how to review comics on this website I wanted to pick criteria which were more universal so that the reviews I worked on could be more consistent in quality and perspective. Thus the categories that I found online which seemed to be the best categories for review are as follows.

  • Story: This includes the plot, characters, dialogue, themes, tone, pacing, and originality of the comic. A good story should be engaging, coherent, consistent, and meaningful.
Sandman comic page used as an example of story

Sandman has a large cast of characters, yet each character remains distinct and clear in their motivations. The plot also calls back to many previous events, building on the significance of each event in the story.

  • Art: This includes the style, quality, composition, coloring, shading, lighting, and lettering of the comic. A good art should be appealing, clear, dynamic, and expressive.

 

Gasoline Alley comic page used as an example of art

Sandman has a large cast of characters, yet each character remains distinct and clear in their motivations. The plot also calls back to many previous events, building on the significance of each event in the story.

  • Craft: This includes the technical aspects of the comic, such as the layout, panel transitions, page design, and visual storytelling. A good craft should be effective, innovative, and appropriate for the genre and format of the comic.
Watchmen comic page used as an example of craft

Sandman has a large cast of characters, yet each character remains distinct and clear in their motivations. The plot also calls back to many previous events, building on the significance of each event in the story.

  • Impact: This includes the emotional, intellectual, and cultural effects of the comic on the reader and the society. A good impact should be memorable, influential, and relevant.
Fun Home comic page used as an example of importance

Sandman has a large cast of characters, yet each character remains distinct and clear in their motivations. The plot also calls back to many previous events, building on the significance of each event in the story.