Art Quote by Will Eisner
![“Still,[...] in all forms of comics the sequential artist relies upon the tacit cooperation of the reader. This cooperation is based upon the convention of reading and the common cognitive disciplines. Indeed, it is this very voluntary cooperation, so unique to comics, that underlies the contract…” quote by Will Eisner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f4/will-eisner-30264_art_still-in-all-forms-of-comics-the-sequent_1816463.jpg)
“Still,[...] in all forms of comics the sequential artist relies upon the tacit cooperation of the reader. This cooperation is based upon the convention of reading and the common cognitive disciplines. Indeed, it is this very voluntary cooperation, so unique to comics, that underlies the contract between artist and audience.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Comics and Sequential Art", 1985
Readers must willingly fill gaps, using shared conventions and cognitive habits to co‑create meaning.
In simple terms: Comics rely on reader participation.
Key Takeaway
Trust readers to complete the story.
Themes
collaboration
visual storytelling
reader engagement
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
educational
When to use this quote
- graphic novels
- comic strips
- educational comics
- interactive media
- storyboarding
Key Concepts
participation
visual literacy
implicit communication
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you make about your audience?
- How can you guide readers without over‑explaining?
A Different Perspective
Not all readers share the same conventions, risking misinterpretation.
![“[Before the Spirit] I had been producing comic books for 15-year-old cretins from Kansas [I wanted to aim for] a 55-year-old who had his wallet stolen on the subway. You can't talk about heartbreak to a kid.” quote by Will Eisner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/33a/will-eisner-30264_aim_before-the-spirit-i-had-been-producing-c_1208222.jpg)
