How do you read comics? As in literally the act of reading. I have this habit of after reading an issue, I have to go back and scan the artwork over at least two times so that I can fully take in the images. Whenever I read the issue itself, I tend to get caught up more in the words than the art, but as a graphic medium, I can’t ignore the images. Having done this for so long, I’ve realized that it helps me to catch small details/Easter eggs in the art that I would have otherwise missed if I just read it straight through. I do this no matter the medium of the comic, be it digital or hard copy.
Does anyone else do something similar when reading comics? If not, I’d still love to hear how you read comics, just because it’s a fun, if rarely discussed, topic.
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I stare at each word. I then figure out the sentences.
Mostly I read them. If I like them I reread them later and spend more time appreciating the art.
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I love to skim through a book I particularly don’t care to be committed to. I read and if something catches my eye, I’ll become invested on every page afterwards.
Marauder had me invested for the first half involving Kate Pyde but afterwards when Emma Frost took over the book I lost interest to read the book as much. By the end, I just looked at the pretty art and occasionally read some word bubbles.
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I read my comics straight through. If the art is good, I will pay more attention to it.
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I am so focused on the words I find myself missing out on the art sometimes. If something catches my eye, I will stop and stare at it for a bit, but for the most part the art ends up being secondary.
A few artists will get me to stop and stare more. Jenny Frison, Ariel Olivetti and Phil Noto come immediately to mind. Those comics tend to take longer to read as I savor the images more.
I sometimes feel bad that someone put so much effort into art that I quickly glance over. Well, at least they got paid for it!
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Sometimes with music, instrumental. Like one time reading Batman with the Batman Begins score
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pretty much the same for me. @SteveTrevor2.0 @scoop001
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A man after my own heart. Hans Zimmer in general really fits well into my own reading. Interstellar for example.
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say no more, you have me there. He makes great music.
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I tend to put either musical scores on or lo-fi music while reading. I usually pair what I am reading with the music. For example: there are some great Batman mega-mixes on YouTube that feature music from Keaton to Pattison and everything in between that is great for Batman comics.
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I usually catch myself reading the words more than focusing on the art. I have to remind myself to slow down and ‘read’ the art too. I try to just take it panel by panel. And then overall by page afterwards.
But I like reading on this site in panel mode and that helps me a lot.
I do like the art and it is obviously a very important part of comics, but I almost find myself getting so caught up in the plot that I read the words and sort of skim the art. And then I have to stop myself and go back. (And I feel awful every time. Sorry, every artist I have accidently skimmed past. I really do love your work.)
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I, sometimes pending on the comic, will literally wear white cotton gloves, that I ordered just so I do not leave oily finger prints all over the cover and pages, thus ruining any kind of value it may have. I also make a point not to over bend the pages or crease it in any way. Most of the time, my ritual, is to make everything super cozy for my reading , pick out some good ambient music, pop on headphones if things are too loud outside, and i sometimes have to remind myself to slow down while reading because things get exciting and i miss details in the art.
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It’s quite a relief to hear that other people can get caught up in the writing/plot and forget about the art.
Also, I’d never considered listening to music while reading but may just have to try it some time! 
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I read comics standing up. Dunno why. But for some reason its easier for me to focus on reading when standing and walking around.
I can read sitting down too though, but it takes me a bit longer to read that way.
As for the art & words i’ve always just focused on both the words & pictures simultaneously. They do go together after all.
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It is kind of funny how we all have a nagging guilt in the back of our minds about it!
I listened to a channel of 1940’s hits while reading the Golden Age Wonder Woman newspaper strips. It was an experience! I did find it rather distracting after a while, but I am glad I gave it a try.
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I do this pretty often as well. I have to keep getting up or my back gets too achy. I have a sit/stand station at work and one at home for just this reason.
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I’m not a stranger to doing strange things standing up for no reason, my parents thought something was wrong the other day because I was pacing but I was trying to finish my comic before I went to bed.
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