EC Language, culture and identity

This seminar functions as an introduction to the field of comics studies, with a specific focus on women creators in the second half of the 20^th century. We will start by discussing the place that comics hold in popular culture and discuss the way in which they convey meaning through their own iconotextual language. Then, we will examine the history of print comics in North America from the late 1960s to the early 21^st century, focusing on three central trends: underground comics (exemplified by Trina Robbins and Aline Kominsky-Crumb), self-publishing and the rise of the Direct Market (Wendy Pini, Colleen Doran) and finally the canonisation of autobiographical narratives (Alison Bechdel, Phoebe Gloeckner). In each case, we will analyse how cartoonists depict and subvert gendered identity, running counter to the narrative of comics as a male-dominated form, and engaging with issues of cultural legitimacy.

Compulsory reading (primary sources):

Alison Bechdel, Fun Home.

Wendy and Richard Pini, The Complete Elfquest vol. 1, Dark Horse Comics OR read the original series for free on the creators’ website at https://elfquest.com/reading-room/eq-oq/

More material will be provided over the course of the seminar.

Suggested reading (secondary sources):

Jean-Paul Gabilliet, Of Comics and Men.

Thierry Smolderen, Naissances de la Bande Dessinée.

Ben Woo, The Greatest Comic Book of All Time.

Trina Robbins, Pretty in Ink.

Dan Gearino, Comic Shop.

Chris Pizzino, Arresting Development.

Paul Williams, Dreaming the Graphic Novel.

Hillary Chute, Graphic Women.