Comics Have No Universal Definition

You might think you know what a comic is, but experts still argue over what makes one. It is not just about pictures and words, as some comics lack text entirely while others rely on photographs or complex layouts.

The medium is so versatile that theorists have failed to pin down a single definition for decades. While some argue that sequential panels are essential, others point to recurring characters or mass production as the true hallmarks. From ancient cave paintings to modern webcomics, the format constantly shifts its identity. This ambiguity is precisely what allows the medium to evolve into everything from satirical cartoons to epic graphic novels.