Comics, yes!

Mitchel J. Sweig begged, "Please, no more. Ever," while John L. Simons Jr. expressed something more akin to my own feelings: "Keep 'em coming!"

It occurs to me, though, that, like the good University of Chicago alums we are, we might do best to refer to the literature on this issue. When in doubt, go to the library, right?

Lucky for you, I've already done the dirty work: I recommend Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud (HarperCollins, 1994), as well as his second volume, Reinventing Comics. Go at it with the open mind U of C students are supposedly famous for, and I guarantee McCloud will deepen your understanding of the power and potential of the comics medium, not to mention deepening your appreciation of Jessica Abel's back page. (Also check out Abel's comic Artbabe, published by Fantagraphics Books and available at most comics stores).

Once the groundwork has been laid, you're ready for a true masterpiece: The Sandman, by Neil Gaiman, published by DC Comics' Vertigo label. Don't be surprised to see Gaiman's book on a Hum syllabus near you in the next decade or two....

Kate Pickering, AB'97
New York City