Accurate Quote by Will Eisner
“The term comics long ago became obsolete and inaccurate. It merely defined the content of the early joke-based comical strips. Sequential Art is a more accurate description of the form. I first suggested it because I believed something needed to be done to correct the feeling of inferiority by artists and writers in this field.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Comics and Sequential Art, 1985
The term “comics” is outdated; “sequential art” better captures the medium’s narrative and visual structure.
In simple terms: Comics = sequential art.
Key Takeaway
Adopt precise terminology for the medium.
Themes
art
media
terminology
Mood
analytical
enthusiastic
Type
academic
creative
When to use this quote
- publishing
- education
- exhibitions
Key Concepts
visual storytelling
genre evolution
artist identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does terminology affect artistic value?
- What benefits arise from rebranding comics?
A Different Perspective
Old labels can limit perception of the art form.
![“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)
![“[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)
![“He [Groucho's father] had absolutely no training, and if you had ever seen one of his suits, you'd realize what an accurate statement that is. You see, Pop never used a tape measure. He didn't believe in it. He said he could just look at a man and tell hi.” quote by Groucho Marx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02f/groucho-marx-788_accurate_he-groucho-s-father-had-absolutely-no-tr_22161.jpg)
