Scott McCloud, born Scott Willard McLeod on June 10, 1960, is an American cartoonist and comics theorist renowned for his influential non-fiction books on the medium of comics. His seminal works include Understanding Comics (1993), Reinventing Comics (2000), and Making Comics (2006), all of which explore the art form through the comic book medium itself.

McCloud initially made his mark in the 1980s as an independent superhero cartoonist and a vocal advocate for creator's rights. He gained significant notoriety in the 1990s with his non-fiction works that delve into the intricacies of comics, promoting the artistic stature of the medium. His advocacy extends to embracing new technologies for creating and distributing comics, positioning him as a forward-thinking figure in the industry.

Additionally, he is credited with initiating the 24-Hour Comic Challenge, a creative endeavor that challenges artists to produce a full comic book in 24 hours, further highlighting his innovative contributions to the field.