Comics and Graphic Novels

Description

Providing an overview of the dynamic field of comics and graphic novels for students and researchers, this Essential Guide contextualises the major research trends, debates and ideas that have emerged in Comics Studies over the past decades. Interdisciplinary and international in its scope, the critical approaches on offer spread across a wide range of strands, from the formal and the ideological to the historical, literary and cultural. Its concise chapters provide accessible introductions to comics methodologies, comics histories and cultures across the world, high-profile creators and titles, insights from audience and fan studies, and important themes and genres, such as autobiography and superheroes. It also surveys the alternative and small press alongside general reference works and textbooks on comics. Each chapter is complemented by list of key reference works. Cover Contents Acknowledgements About the authors 1 Introduction Part I: Approaching comics 2 Formalist approaches Early definitions and approaches Semiotic approaches Comics as language Conclusion Notes Works cited 3 Ideological and material approaches Political and ideological perspectives Colonialism and comics Superheroes and ideology Cultural legitimacy as ideology Material and sensory issues Conclusion Notes Works cited Part II: Histories and cultures 4 Early criticism and legitimation Early comics criticism in America The American Comics Code Retrospective evaluations and revisionist readings Legitimizing the ‘Ninth Art’ Legitimation issues Transatlantic interactions between comics and bande dessinée Comics exhibitions Conclusion Notes Works cited 5 Historical approaches Global Europe North America, Canada and South America Asia Africa Australasia Transnational Conclusion Notes Works cited Part III: Production and reception 6 Creators, imprints and titles Old masters Serialized comics Women comics artists Graphic novelists Iconic magazines and publishers Conclusion Notes Works cited 7 Audiences and fan cultures Historical audience studies Comics readers and identities Fan studies in comics Conclusion Notes Works cited Part IV: Themes and genres 8 Thematic approaches Documentary, trauma and memory Diversity: Ethnicity and religion Children in comics Intermedial and transmedial approaches Conclusion Notes Works cited 9 Popular genres Genre Superheroes Horror Romance Conclusion Notes Works cited 10 Outside the mainstream Underground comix in North America and the UK Autobiographix French-language alternative and small press publications Artists’ collectives Fanzines and alternative practices Conclusion Notes Works cited 11 General reference guides and textbooks Teaching comics Making comics General and critical reference works Works cited 12 Conclusion Index