Minicomic Minute: Addicted to Bumpers

Let's talk about a minicomic about cereal while also discussing cognitive proportion preferences.

I n her book Geometry of Design, Kimberly Elam discusses a concept known as “Cognitive Proportion Preference.”  Basically, what ratio and size rectangle we prefer, deep down.  In an 1876 study, the German psychologist Gustav Fechner lined up 10 rectangles of similar width and varying heights, asking participants to pick their “favorite,” whichever one felt most comfortable in their hands.  35% picked the golden ratio (roughly 5:8). 

There is an established connection between the ratio of a rectangle and the way humans relate to it.  With this in mind, not only the size of a minicomic, but also its proportions, can convey some meaning to the reader. 

Addicted to Bumpers by Falynn K, for example, utilizes the same ratio as a box of cereal, furthering a set of overall design choices that scream, “Cereal!  Cereal!  Cereal!”

In the Minicomic Minute, I look at all of the wonderful books that are being made in the indie comic self-publishing scene.  In my opinion, we are really in a golden age of book making.  The quality of books coming from self publishers is breathtaking!  While there are many fine reviewers out there that look at content (I’ll be the first to say that content is king), I’m going to focus on the actual fabrication of these wonderful tomes.  How are the books made?  What simple decisions are self-publishers making to turn a good book into an AMAZING book?  We’ll see!  A new review every Monday!

Addicted to Bumpers

By Falynn K5 x 7 minicomic | 8 pages | b & wSpring 2008self-published

Jon Chad