In Graphic Storytelling and Visual Art, Will Eisner states that the limitation of time and space compel comics to employ stereotypes and caricature as visual shorthand, an essential element of the language of the medium to establish the character or type other media might expend extensive time to develop. He states this reliance arises from the need to evoke "images (which are) easily readable (due to) a common experience evoking reality."

This reliance on caricature raises several issues, many stemming from research in cognitive sciences showing a greater cognition (recognition) being achieved from caricaterization than from life-like drawing and renditions. This paper proposes to use Eisner's position as a basis to explore the role this caricature effect may have on the art of comics and animation, how it has and could affect the efficacy of the medium as language, and how this paradox of caricature reflects on the medium, its sustainability, and its execution.