earticle

영어

This article explores the evolving nature of comics as a legitimate cognitive and narrative medium, challenging traditional perceptions that prioritize language as the primary vehicle for thought. Drawing on Evelina Fedorenko’s research, the article argues that visual thinking mediated by comics plays a crucial role in engaging the brain in ways that verbal texts alone cannot achieve. In doing so, the article uncovers the multimodal nature of comics, emphasizing their capacity to blend visual and verbal elements in a way that fosters complex thought, memory retention, and cognitive engagement. Theories from scholars such as Hillary Chute and Neil Cohn underscore the sophisticated mental processes in reading sequential art, revealing how comics facilitate a unique form of meaning-making that transcends traditional literary forms. By examining affordance and the relational nature of comics, the article positions the medium as a dynamic, participatory storytelling form that challenges conventional views of literature and cognition. It concludes by advocating for a holistic study of comics that incorporates cultural, experiential, and stylistic factors to fully appreciate their cognitive and interpretive richness, affirming their role as a vital form of intellectual and artistic expression.