Nick Sousanis

Nick Sousanis is an Eisner Award-winning comics author and professor known for his groundbreaking work "Unflattening," which began as his doctoral dissertation at Columbia University - the first dissertation written and drawn entirely in comic book form. As an associate professor at San Francisco State University, Sousanis teaches comics as a way of thinking and explores the relationship between words, images, and the nature of learning. His academic work focuses on expanding the possibilities of visual-verbal scholarship and communication. Sousanis's "Unflattening" challenges traditional modes of academic discourse by using the comics medium to examine the interplay between verbal and visual thinking. The work has been translated into multiple languages and has influenced discussions about alternative forms of scholarly communication. Prior to his academic career, Sousanis was immersed in Detroit's arts community, where he co-founded the arts and cultural web magazine The Detroiter and organized various arts-related events. His ongoing work continues to investigate the possibilities of comics as a tool for complex theoretical exploration.

Readers appreciate Sousanis's innovative approach in "Unflattening," which combines academic theory with visual storytelling. On Goodreads, multiple reviewers note his ability to communicate complex philosophical ideas through sequential art, though some found the academic language dense and challenging. Likes: - Clear visual metaphors that enhance understanding - Integration of comics with scholarly concepts - Original approach to dissertation format Dislikes: - Abstract academic terminology can be difficult to follow - Some sections feel repetitive - Price point considered high for length Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (150+ ratings) Notable reader comment: "Manages to explain McLuhan's ideas better in a few pages than most texts do in chapters" - Goodreads reviewer The work receives particular praise from educators and artists who use it to teach visual thinking, though general readers sometimes report struggling with the academic content.

Unflattening (2015) A doctoral dissertation composed in comic book form that explores visual thinking and challenges traditional modes of academic discourse through a combination of philosophical concepts and sequential art.

Shape of Our Thoughts (2016) A series of essays and comics examining the intersection of visual art, comics, and education, with particular focus on how different forms of expression can enhance understanding.