Chrome in comics

Scott McCloud's classic book Understanding Comics had long been in my mind when I decided to write my own book on visual thinking. Although I don't agree with everything in his approach (and suspect Scott probably doesn't agree with everything in mine), I admire tremendously his genius in understanding how we process visual stories, and his ability to tell stories with pictures. When it comes to communicating with images, Scott is a god.

As of yesterday, Google clearly agrees.

Google announced the Beta launch of Chrome, their new open-source web browser. Sort of aimed at Firefox, but clearly targeting Microsoft's territory, Chrome in theory represents a new concept in how we will browse the web. More importantly, Chrome (again, in theory) represents a new concept in how our computers will themselves talk with the web.

I emphasize "theory" here because superficially Chrome doesn't seem to do a whole lot more than existing browsers do. (I've been testing it all day and mainly notice its drawbacks -- like the fact that in Chrome my Typepad interface shows only raw HTML code. Yuck: back to Firefox folks.)

But here's where things get interesting. Because the important nuances of Chrome lie in the guts and technical details of how it was designed and built, a lay person like me is unlikely to get right away what makes it so great.

And that's where Scott's genius enters the picture. Google hired Scott to create an entire comic book explaining Chrome's inner workings. Not only is the comic lovely, after reading it I now for the first time understand what the heck a browser really does.

Proving once again the power of a simple picture to clarify a complex concept. Thank you Google. And thank YOU Scott!

Comments

[Syaiful Siliganda]

Hi Dan,

I really love your book and also your video presentation in Youtube.

I am waiting for your DVD's especially about your workshop ,do you have any plan to launch it in this year ?

coz i am living in Jakarta (Indonesia),so there is no way i can attend your workshop.

Scott's comic ? awesome also.

Thanks Dan.

[Jason]

Hi Dan,

I don't know if you would be able to answer this. But for creating a visually appealing presentation, that could include comic type graphics; do you have any suggestions on what any books to assist on getting a novice familiar with graphic design?

[Josh Carter]

Dan, it's funny, I'm reading your book and I read Scott's Chrome comic yesterday. I discovered your blog because I was going to email you, "you've GOT to check out this comic!" But you're already on it.

I'm totally enthralled with Scott's comic, it's a true masterpiece of visual, technical communication. It doesn't have the casual style that you advocate in your book, and it's not the kind of thing any amateur could create, but I think people should read it as an example of how far you can push visual communication.