Meaning: Sergio Aragones, a renowned cartoonist known for his work in Mad magazine and his comic book series Groo the Wanderer, articulates a sentiment that many moviegoers can relate to in his quote, "I don't enjoy the boo scare when you're watching a movie and then suddenly there's a big shark on the screen. The only thing they're doing is catching you off guard." This statement reflects a common critique of the horror genre and its reliance on jump scares to elicit fear and unease in audiences.

Aragones' remark touches upon the concept of the "boo scare," a term often used to describe a sudden, startling moment in a film or a piece of media designed to evoke a visceral reaction from the viewer. In the context of horror movies, these "boo scares" typically involve the sudden appearance of a frightening or threatening entity, such as a shark in Aragones' example. While jump scares can be an effective tool for creating immediate tension and surprise, Aragones suggests that their impact is limited to the element of surprise and does not necessarily contribute to a deeper sense of fear or genuine engagement with the narrative.

The cartoonist's perspective sheds light on the debate surrounding the use of jump scares in horror films. While some audiences may find these moments thrilling and integral to the genre, others, like Aragones, may view them as cheap or manipulative tactics that prioritize momentary shock value over genuine psychological horror. This raises questions about the effectiveness and artistic merit of relying heavily on jump scares as a primary method of frightening viewers.

Aragones' critique also hints at the notion that true horror should be rooted in a sense of building dread, atmosphere, and psychological unease rather than relying solely on sudden, superficial shocks. This aligns with a more nuanced approach to horror storytelling that emphasizes character development, suspense, and the exploration of deeper fears and anxieties. By expressing his disinterest in the "boo scare," Aragones advocates for a more sophisticated and thoughtful approach to instilling fear in audiences, one that prioritizes substance and psychological impact over fleeting moments of surprise.

In the broader context of storytelling and audience engagement, Aragones' quote prompts reflection on the nature of fear and suspense in entertainment. It encourages creators to consider how they can elicit genuine emotional responses from their audience through more nuanced and thoughtful means, rather than relying on predictable, formulaic methods of inducing momentary shock. This challenges filmmakers and storytellers to delve deeper into the psychology of fear and to craft narratives that resonate on a deeper, more enduring level with their audience.

Ultimately, Sergio Aragones' critique of the "boo scare" in movies invites us to consider the role of surprise and anticipation in horror storytelling, urging a reevaluation of the methods used to evoke fear and unease in audiences. It prompts a critical examination of the balance between immediate shocks and sustained psychological impact, encouraging a more sophisticated and artful approach to the creation of fear in popular media.