The authors of Understanding Rhetoric utilize the comics medium to present writing concepts for first-year composition courses and beyond. The title is a nod to the foundational comics theory treatise by Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics, in which the animated author explores how comics make meaning through image and text. Like McCloud, Understanding Rhetoric’s authors explain rhetoric and writing through didactic content that directly addresses the reader. Losh, Alexander, Cannon, and Cannon take form as characters Liz, Jonathan, Kevin, and Zander in the textbook as they engage students and instructors alike through compelling narrative, humor, visual metaphors, thoughtful examples, and authentic author voices.