Word and Image

   Comic books are one of many forms of word and image combination. i think they can be some of the most effective conveyers of meaning. Yes, comic books have gotten a bad rap with the trend some artists choose to follow but denying the cliche, comic books are genius! When executed well and thoughtfully comic books may be the key to all teachings. Different styles are welcomed and encouraged but the quality of communication must be demanded. Yet, we live in a world of confusing jumbled messages that take to long to understand or give us conflicting messages. With such a simple format to follow, why do we have anything else?
  The answer to this is that we get bored, we want something new and different at every turn. This is true throughout history. the trend of trends is the only lasting trend. Modern society has created the need for new! There will always be some craze for people to jump on board with, yet those on board are half a step away from jumping to the next boat!
  History is where I look for answers. We have all heard that history repeats itself so its logical for answers to be found in the past. Yet this unwillingness to balance word and image is a constant in history as well. In art history we are taught to interpret images that have no accompanying words. Sometimes there are a few but often there is only vague historical context. The clues to the interpretation are in the image. This eventually leads to more confusion and utter uncertainty of the true meaning of a given image. Perhaps this was because the concept of combining word and image was not yet thought of.
   So let us return to the present where we have the resources to convey clear messages with out art. Instead of embracing the comic book concept we condemn it, as "low" art. This injustice may be the worst. We have essentially cut of our nose to spite our face.