LibGuides: Displays: Comic Books

Comic Books

The history of comic books dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emerging as a unique art form blending sequential illustrations with storytelling. Initially inspired by newspaper comic strips, comic books evolved into a distinct medium with the release of original stories. In 1936, The Phantom, created by Lee Falk, debuted as the first superhero in comic strips, donning a skintight costume and mask—a template for the modern superhero genre. This innovation paved the way for iconic characters like Superman and Batman, marking the Golden Age of Comics. Over the decades, comic books have grown into a global phenomenon, exploring diverse genres and captivating audiences of all ages.

Books

The Art of Comics by Aaron Meskin; Roy T. Cook; Warren Ellis (Foreword by)
Call Number: PN 6710 ART

ISBN: 9781118799468

Publication Date: 2014-02-03

An insightful exploration of the artistic and narrative elements that define the medium of comics. This work examines the interplay between visual storytelling, artistic techniques, and the complexities of comic book structure, offering a deeper understanding of comics as both an art form and a mode of communication.
Below Critical Radar by Roger Sabin (Editor); Teal Triggs (Editor)
Call Number: PN 6714 BEL

ISBN: 9781899866472

Publication Date: 2002-03-01

A compelling collection that delves into the lesser-known aspects of comic book history, Below Critical Radar examines the independent and underground comics that often go overlooked in mainstream discussions. Through a series of essays, it highlights the cultural, political, and artistic significance of these works, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of the medium.
The Blacker the Ink by Frances Gateward (Editor); John Jennings (Editor)
Call Number: PN 6725 BLA

ISBN: 9780813572338

Publication Date: 2015-07-16

When many think of comic books the first thing that comes to mind are caped crusaders and spandex-wearing super-heroes. Perhaps, inevitably, these images are of white men (and more rarely, women). It was not until the 1970s that African American superheroes such as Luke Cage, Blade, and others emerged. But as this exciting new collection reveals, these superhero comics are only one small component in a wealth of representations of black characters within comic strips, comic books, and graphic novels over the past century.
The Comic Book Film Adaptation by Liam Burke
Call Number: PN 1997.85 BUR

ISBN: 9781628462036

Publication Date: 2015-03-31

In the summer of 2000 X-Men surpassed all box office expectations and ushered in an era of unprecedented production of comic book film adaptations. This trend, now in its second decade, has blossomed into Hollywood's leading genre. From superheroes to Spartan warriors, The Comic Book Film Adaptation offers the first dedicated study to examine how comic books moved from the fringes of popular culture to the centre of mainstream film production. Through in-depth analysis, industry interviews, and audience research, this book charts the cause-and-effect of this influential trend.
Comic Books and America, Nineteen Forty-Five to Nineteen Fifty-Four by William W. Savage
Call Number: E 169.12 SAV

ISBN: 9780806123059

Publication Date: 1990-11-01

This text measures a remarkably popular medium's reflection of social and political problems during a troubled period in American history. In addition to their entertainment value, comic books offered a world-view to a large segment of the American public in the confusion to the decade following World War II. By 1945, comic books were more than simply diversions for children: millions had been distributed to service personnel during the war years. And in the post-war decade, adults as well as children purchased and read an outstanding 60 million comic books per month.
Comic Books As History by Joseph Witek
Call Number: PN 6725 WIT

ISBN: 9780878054060

Publication Date: 1989-12-01

This well focused and perceptive analysis of a phenomenon in our popular culture--the new respectability of the comic book form--argues that the comics medium has a productive tradition of telling true stories with grace and economy. It details vividly the outburst of underground comics in the late 1960s and '70s, whose cadre of artistically gifted creators were committed to writing comic books for adults, an audience they made aware that comic books can offer narratives of great power and technical sophistication.
Comics and the City by Jö Ahrens (Editor); Arno Meteling (Editor)
Call Number: PN 6714 COM

ISBN: 9780826440198

Publication Date: 2010-03-11

Comics emerged parallel to, and in several ways intertwined with, the development of modern urban mass societies at the turn of the 20th century. On the one hand, urban topoi, self-portrayals, forms of urban cultural memories, and variant readings of the city (strolling, advertising, architecture, detective stories, mass phenomena, street life, etc.) are all incorporated into comics. On the other hand, comics have unique abilities to capture urban space and city life because of their hybrid nature, consisting of words, pictures, and sequences. These formal aspects of comics are also to be found within the cityscape itself: one can see the influence of comic book aesthetics all around us today.
Demanding Respect by Paul Lopes
Call Number: PN 6725 LOP

ISBN: 9781592134434

Publication Date: 2009-05-15

An insightful exploration of the comic book industry, Demanding Respect examines how comic book creators fought for recognition and legitimacy as artists. Focusing on the transformation of comics from a marginalized form of entertainment to a respected art form, the book delves into the social and cultural forces that shaped the industry's evolution.
Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi ; [translation Anjali Singh]
Call Number: PN 6747.S245 EMB

ISBN: 9780224087407

Publication Date: 2005

From the author of the acclaimed comic-strip autobiography Persepolis comes this comic book for grown-ups, a gloriously entertaining and revealing look into the sex lives of Iranian women. "Embroideries" gathers together many of the women in Marjane Satrapi's life for an afternoon of tea-drinking and talking. And as is only to be expected when a group of women reunite around cups of tea, the subjects turn to love, sex and the vagaries of men - in this case, Iranian men.
Film and Comic Books by Ian Gordon (Editor); Mark Jancovich (Editor); Matthew P. McAllister (Editor)
Call Number: PN 1995.9 C36 FIL

ISBN: 9781578069774

Publication Date: 2007-06-15

In Film and Comic Books contributors analyze the problems of adapting one medium to another; the translation of comics aesthetics into film; audience expectations, reception, and reaction to comic book-based films; and the adaptation of films into comics. A wide range of comic/film adaptations are explored, including superheroes (Spider-Man), comic strips (Dick Tracy), realist and autobiographical comics (American Splendor, Ghost World), and photo-montage comics (Mexico's El Santo).
From hell : being a melodrama in sixteen parts by Alan Moore, writer, & Eddie Campbell, artist ; Pete Mullins, contributing artist.
Call Number: PN 6737 M6 FRO

ISBN: 9780861661411

Publication Date: 2006

A dark and gripping graphic novel, From Hell delves into the infamous Jack the Ripper murders, blending historical fact with fiction. Through intricate artwork and a compelling narrative, Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell explore the mystery behind the killings, the social context of Victorian London, and the psychological motivations of the characters involved, creating a haunting and thought-provoking tale.
Marx's 'Das Kapital' for Beginners by Michael Wayne; Sungyoon Choi (Illustrator)
Call Number: HO 520 WAY

ISBN: 9781934389591

Publication Date: 2012-05-29

Marx's 'Das Kapital' cannot be put into a box marked "economics." It is a work of politics, history, economics, philosophy and even in places, literature (yes Marx's style is that rich and evocative). Marx's 'Das Kapital' For Beginners is an introduction to the Marxist critique of capitalist production and its consequences for a whole range of social activities such as politics, media, education and religion.
Meanwhile : graphic short stories about everyday queer life in Southern and East Africa by Qintu Collab
Call Number: HC 6110 (MEA)

ISBN: 9780620852630

Publication Date: 2019

The lived realities of young queer people in African contexts are not well documented. On the one hand, homophobic political discourse tends to portray queer people as 'deviant' and 'unAfrican', and on the other, public health research and advocacy often portrays them as victims of violence and HIV. Of course, young queer lives are far more diverse, rich and complex. For this reason, the Qintu Collab was formed to allow young queer people from a few African countries to come together, share experiences and create context-specific, queer-positive media that documents relatable stories about and for queer African youth.
The Myth of the Superhero by Marco. Arnaudo; Jamie Richards (Translator)
Call Number: PN 6710 ARN

ISBN: 9781421409108

Publication Date: 2013-05-01

How our favorite superheroes reflect the moral, religious, and ethical values of American society. A refugee from his broken planet who saves earth (more than once), Superman was sent to America as his father's final act before dying. Does this make him the ultimate immigrant success story? Through a series of close readings of DC and Marvel comics, Marco Arnaudo explores the influence of religion and myth on superhero stories as well as their relationship to the classical epic and baroque style.
Of Comics and Men by Jean-Paul Gabilliet; Bart Beaty (Translator); Nick Nguyen (Translator)
Call Number: PN 6725 GAB

ISBN: 9781604732672

Publication Date: 2009-12-15

Originally published in France and long sought in English translation, Jean-Paul Gabilliet's Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books documents the rise and development of the American comic book industry from the 1930s to the present. The book intertwines aesthetic issues and critical biographies with the concerns of production, distribution, and audience reception, making it one of the few interdisciplinary studies of the art form.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Call Number: PN 6747.S245 PER

ISBN: 9780099523994

Publication Date: 2008

This text tells the story of Marjane Satrapi's life in Tehran from six to 14, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution & the devastating effects of war with Iraq. Satrapi paints a portrait of daily life in Iran & of the bewildering contradictions between home life & public life.
Power of Comics by Randy Duncan; Matthew J. Smith
Call Number: PN 6710 DUN

ISBN: 9780826429353

Publication Date: 2009-07-01

The Power of Comics offers a comprehensive analysis of the comic book medium, exploring its history, cultural significance, and evolving role in society. Randy Duncan and Matthew J. Smith examine how comics serve as a form of expression, addressing themes such as identity, politics, and social change, while highlighting their impact on both popular culture and academic discourse.
The Reddest Rose by Liv Stromquist; Melissa Bowers (Translator)
Call Number: PN 6790 S883 STR

ISBN: 9781683964599

Publication Date: 2023-01-31

The deceptively simple through-line for Swedish media personality and activist Liv Stromquist's The Reddest Rose is the question: Why does Leonardo DiCaprio date an endless string of 20-something models? Her answer - in the form of this collection of well-researched, humorous comics essays - tracks how philosophers and artists, from the Ancient Greeks to Beyonce, conceptualised romantic love.
The System of Comics by Thierry Groensteen; Bart Beaty (Translator); Nick Nguyen (Translator)
Call Number: PN 6710 GRO

ISBN: 9781578069255

Publication Date: 2007-01-19

This edition of Thierry Groensteen's The System of Comics makes available in English a groundbreaking work on comics by one of the medium's foremost scholars. In this book, originally published in France in 1999, Groensteen explains clearly the subtle, complex workings of the medium and its unique way of combining visual, verbal, spatial, and chronological expressions.
This Book Contains Graphic Language by Rocco Versaci
Call Number: PN 6714 VER

ISBN: 9780826428783

Publication Date: 2007-12-15

This Book Contains Graphic Language offers a thoughtful examination of the comic book medium, analyzing its artistic, literary, and cultural significance. Rocco Versaci explores how comics blend visual storytelling with narrative depth, arguing for their recognition as a legitimate and powerful art form that reflects and shapes societal issues.
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
Call Number: PN 6710 MAC

ISBN: 9780060976255

Publication Date: 1994-04-27

Praised throughout the cartoon industry by such luminaries as Art Spiegelman, Matt Groening, and Will Eisner, Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics is a seminal examination of comics art: its rich history, surprising technical components, and major cultural significance. Explore the secret world between the panels, through the lines, and within the hidden symbols of a powerful but misunderstood art form.
We Spoke Out: Comic Books and the Holocaust by Rafael Medoff; Craig Yoe (Editor); Neal Adams; Stan Lee (Introduction by)
Call Number: PN 6726 WES

ISBN: 9781631408885

Publication Date: 2018-04-17

Classic comic book stories about the Holocaust and interviews with their artists and writers, with a cover drawn especially for this book by Neal Adams. An amazing but forgotten chapter in comics history! Long before the Holocaust was taught in schools or presented in films such as Schindler's List, the youth of America was learning about the Nazi genocide from Batman, the X-Men, Captain America, and Sgt. Rock. Comics legend Neal Adams, Holocaust scholar Rafael Medoff, and comics historian Craig Yoe bring together a remarkable collection of comic book stories that introduced an entire generation to an engaging and important subject. We Spoke Out is an extraordinary journey into a compelling topic.
Why Comics? by Hillary Chute
Call Number: PN 6710 CHU

ISBN: 9780062476807

Publication Date: 2017-12-05

The massive impact that comics have had on our culture becomes more and more clear every day, from the critically acclaimed musical Fun Home, based on Alison Bechdel's groundbreaking comic, to the dozens of superhero films hitting cinemas every year. In Why Comics?, comics scholar Hillary Chute reveals the history of comics, underground comics (or comix), and graphic novels, through deep thematic analysis, and fascinating portraits of the fearless men and women behind them.

Articles

'With Apologies to The Old Masters': Jack Jackson's Citational Practice and the History of Comic Book History
Kopin, Joshua Abraham
Inks (Columbus, Ohio : 2017), 2019, Vol.3 (1), p.27-47

Explores how Jack Jackson, a key figure in underground comics, transformed the medium into a platform for historiography. The article examines Jackson’s innovative use of citations and archival research in works like Los Tejanos, revealing how his storytelling reimagined American history and critiqued dominant historical narratives. By blending artistic creativity with historical rigor, Jackson established comics as a powerful tool for reinterpreting the past and engaging with the legacies of traditional historians and artists.
Diversity, tokenism, and comic books: Crafting better strategies
Podoshen, Jeffrey S.; Ekpo, Akon E.; Abiru, Oluwatoniloba “Toni”
Business horizons, 2021-01, Vol.64 (1), p.131-140

This article examines aspects related to diversity and inclusion in the context of media products. Specifically, it looks at key issues surrounding strategies to increase diversity and inclusion in comic books that come up short because of problems of implementation and execution. Using the context of Marvel Comics’ “All-New, All-Different” strategy, whereby the firm created a myriad of new characters from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, we explain how diversity strategy can backfire.
More than just Iron Man: A Brief History of Comic Books and Graphic Novels
Karczewski, Kacper
Crossroads (Białystok, Poland), 2013 (3 (3)), p.47-51

Comic books and graphic novels are a significant part of today’s culture. Popularity of blockbuster movies about superheroes such as Iron Man or The Dark Knight clearly indicates that stories created for the comic medium can captivate large audiences. Unfortunately, such stories are often considered to be lacking in substance and are often perceived as a very simple form of entertainment. The aim of this article is to briefly show how comic books and graphic novels developed throughout history.
Now It’s My Time! Black Girls Finding Space and Place in Comic Books
Gipson, Grace D.
Arts (Basel), 2023-03, Vol.12 (2), p.66

This essay examines how Black girl narratives are finding and making space and place in the arena of comic books and television. With the rise in Black girl (super)hero protagonists on the comic book pages and adapted television shows, it is essential to explore the significance of their rising inclusion, visibility, and popularity and understand how they contribute to the discourse surrounding the next generation of heroes.
Qualitative Comic Book Mapping: Developing Comic Books Informed by Lived Experiences of Refugee Youth to Advance Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Stigma Reduction in a Humanitarian Setting in Uganda
Logie, Carmen H. ; Okumu, Moses ; McAlpine, Alyssa ; Odong Lukone, Simon ; Kisubi, Nelson ; Loutet, Miranda G. ; Berry, Isha ; MacKenzie, Frannie ; Kyambadde, Peter
International journal of qualitative methods, 2023-06, Vol.22

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a persistent concern in humanitarian contexts, yet there is a dearth of SGBV prevention and post-rape clinical care interventions tailored for refugee youth. Graphic medicine, the use of images and text such as in comic books, has been employed to depict lived experiences to promote health, wellbeing, and education. Comic books provide a low-cost, youth-friendly approach to health promotion that is accessible to varying literacy levels.
Re‐Envisioning Black Masculinity in Luke Cage: From Blaxploitation and Comic Books to Netflix
McMillen, Samual M.
Journal of popular culture, 2020-04, Vol.53 (2), p.454-472

The Netflix series draws on the original comic book for plot and characterization, and both the comic and the TV show draw heavily on elements of blaxploitation film. A genre that typically featured African-American men, blaxploitation was known for its gritty violence, explicit language, and portrayals of masculinity inspired by black nationalism. Under the creative direction Of Cheo Coker, Luke Cage revises these narrow and stereotypical portrayals of black masculinity as the Luke Cage narrative shifts from the comic book medium to streaming television platform through adaptation. This shift provides the series story-telling capabilities impossible in the comic book format, such as the addition of music, and moves the visual aesthetic toward a gritty realism.
Transgenerational Trauma in Comic Books: The Cases of Heimat and Sunday’s Child
Bovan, Kosta
Politička misao, 2022-12, Vol.59 (4), p.116-145

Transgenerational trauma refers to the situation where children are traumatized‎ by the experiences of their (grand)parents. It is a unique combination of‎ individual, familial, and collective (cultural) traumatic processes. The intertwining‎ of these processes poses a particular representational challenge, one‎ that could be overcome by the comics medium.