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The gutter separates comic panels from "summary" of Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

The gutter, that space between the panels, is often overlooked in the reading of comics. It is a quiet, unassuming presence that serves as a boundary between one image and the next. This seemingly insignificant gap plays a crucial role in the storytelling process, allowing for a pause, a moment of reflection, or a transition from one scene to another. The gutter is where the reader's imagination comes into play, filling in the gaps between the panels with their own interpretations and connecting the disjointed images into a coherent narrative. It is a space where time and motion are fluid, where the reader can move freely between past, present, and future, creating their own unique experience of the story. The gutter also serves as a visual rhythm, a pacing device that guides the reader through the comic. The size and shape of the gutter can affect the flow of the story, creating tension or suspense, or allowing for a moment of rest. By manipulating the gutter, the artist can control the speed at which the reader progresses through the narrative, leading them smoothly from one panel to the next. In this way, the gutter is not just a boundary, but a dynamic element that shapes the reading experience. It is a space where the magic of comics happens, where words and images come together to create a world that exists beyond the confines of the page. The gutter may be empty, but it is full of potential, waiting to be filled with the reader's imagination and interpretation.
    oter

    Understanding Comics

    Scott McCloud

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