Night Vision explores the science and art of seeing in the dark, examining how humans and animals perceive low-light environments and how manga artists interpret and exaggerate this ability. The book uniquely bridges the gap between scientific analysis and artistic expression, revealing how understanding vision science informs our interpretation of visual storytelling. Did you know that the size of an animal's pupils directly impacts how well it can see in the dark? Or that the rod-cone system in our eyes plays a pivotal role in light perception?
The book begins by introducing the basic concepts of vision and the physiological adaptations that enable night vision, such as pupillary dilation and the function of photoreceptor cells. From there, it explores the diversity of night vision capabilities across the animal kingdom, highlighting evolutionary adaptations in creatures like owls and cats. Finally, it analyzes how night vision is represented in manga, focusing on artistic techniques used to depict darkness and enhanced vision.
By connecting fields like biology, art, and media studies, Night Vision provides a comprehensive understanding of how we perceive and represent the world around us. It is valuable to students, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of science, nature, and visual culture.
