Lab+3

McLuhan believed that comics are an extension of photographic media, “a world of inclusive gesture and dramatic posture.” Comics contain several captions and images that serve to explain a specific story. However, there is much that comics leave out, subjecting readers to use their imaginations to further develop the characters and storyline. In other words, comics are an inclusive-medium. They lack a clear sense of time and space. Because of these features, McLuhan referred to comics as a “cool” media. Cool media requires users to utilize more of their imagination to establish certain connotations. Cool media force users to actively participate, whereas hot media merely present images and sound. Hot media simply enhance a user’s intimate experience. For example, movies display images and sound but little room is left for the audience to formulate their personal interpretation. It is no wonder that when scientists examine the activity of the human brain while watching T.V., they find that very little activity is occurring. However, when scientists examine people reading a book, they find that the brain is much more active.

The cartoonist has the ability to show little, but imply much. By using certain colours or shades, angles, position of characters and more, cartoonists can essentially tease readers by insinuating ideas. I agree with the idea that comics are an extension of photographic media. Comics are basically a collection of images (sometimes with captions) presented in a particular order that tell a story. Photographs are also images that serve to tell a story.

Bibliography

"McLuhan's Cool Comics." //The Cultural Gutter//. Web. .