Billions of blue blistering barnacles! What we can learn from comics about the visualization of complex ideas Educational methods and innovations in engineering education

Science education is both a science and an art; Getting the message across to groups of laymen requires a lot of thought. Some comics, such as the French Asterix, the American XKCD, or the Dutch Fokke & Sukke, have mastered the art of making people both laugh and think. Supporting learning with laughter could provide a powerful tool to enhance educational messages one is trying to get across, as multiple researches have shown that the use of humor helps students to e.g., remember material better. Furthermore, the image-based nature of comics greatly helps to visualize complex concepts. For instance, some comics use characterization and/or simplification to detach from reality, which is an interesting concept if you are treating heavy or complex subjects. Additionally, the use of stories rather than dry text helps to capture and retain the attention of the audience.However, not every style is equally suited for every topic. The level of detail, color scheme, and drawing style radiate an atmosphere that can either make or break the message you are sending. Still, if used with care, comic-like illustrations and storytelling can greatly support any educational strategy. This paper highlights different visualization styles and choices, and what messages they subtly tell. Choices such as realistic versus caricaturistic, the level of detail, and the use of color are discussed. Furthermore, the effect of different styles of humor and some storytelling tricks are detailed.