First page of ctrl by Richard McGuire, from Chris Ware’s compilation McSweeney’s quarterly concern. No. 13 page 186.

Scale is subjective when it refers to one’s impression of an object’s size. Scale is objective when it refers to the physical size of any object or the relationship of size between something and its depiction.

This first page of ctrl by Richard McGuire is an excellent example of the concept of scale being used effectively. At first sight, it might not seem that the equally size panels in a 4×4 would make good use of the concept, it is a pretty standard layout in terms of framing and such. Focusing on the last four panels, one can see each sequential panel depicts the subject smaller and smaller. This is done to give the effect of zooming out. It is almost cinematic in nature.

Up until panel 12, leaves are easily discernable. But in panel 13 the leaves blend into a single yellow shape. A change of scale is immediately noticed.

This effective use of scale adds movement and depth to rather flat and simple shapes.