[1] It explores formal aspects of comics, the historical development of the medium, its fundamental vocabulary, and various ways in which these elements have been used.

[9] McCloud also introduced the concept of "closure" to refer to a reader's role in closing narrative gaps between comics panels.

McCloud emphasizes Töpffer's use of "cartooning and panel borders" along with "the first interdependent combination of words and pictures seen in Europe".

One of the book's key concepts is that of "masking", a visual style, dramatic convention, and literary technique described in the chapter on realism.

His explanation is that a familiar and minimally detailed character allows for a stronger emotional connection and for viewers to identify more easily.

Understanding Comics won multiple Harvey Awards in 1994 for Best Graphic Album/Original Material[12] and Best Biographical, Historical or Journalistic Presentation.

[13] Author McCloud won the 1994 Adamson Award for Best International Comic-Strip [or comic book] Cartoonist.

The Swedish translation of the book, Serier: Den Osynliga Konsten, published in 1995 by Häftad, was awarded the 1996 Urhunden Prize.

The French translation of the book, titled L'Art invisible and published by Vertige Graphic, won the Prix Bloody Mary at the 2000 Angoulême International Comics Festival.