Art Quote by Jessica Abel
“It's a mystery to me why comics have been so despised for so long. Obviously, it has to do with the history of the medium - arising out of cheaply-reprinted booklets of newspaper strips, just out to make a quick buck, followed by mostly-crappy original work. It took a while for really talented artists to move into the comic-book world from the newspapers. It really is strange that even TV commercials got respect before comics did. I have never been able to figure it out.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Comics Journal, 2005
Comics have been undervalued due to early low‑budget origins and stigma, despite later artistic talent.
In simple terms: Comics were once seen as cheap and lowbrow.
Key Takeaway
Recognize comics as a legitimate art form.
Themes
media perception
artistic merit
culture history
commercialism
genre evolution
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- publishing
- education
- media criticism
- collecting
- museum curation
Key Concepts
cultural stigma
artistic evolution
media economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does early commercial intent affect long‑term artistic respect?
- What can elevate a medium’s cultural status?
A Different Perspective
Even with talent, market forces and early reputation can hinder acceptance.
