graphic_novel_discussions - Western Illinois University

Libraries

graphic novel discussions

Western Illinois University Libraries will host a series of graphic novel discussions, starting with "Superhero Shakespeare: Comics and the Politics of Authorship," led by Chris Morrow, assistant professor in Western's English and journalism department, at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 6, in the Leslie F. Malpass Library, room 180.

According to Morrow, this discussion will attempt to survey some of the visual and graphic engagements with Shakespeare as author.

"We will discuss how such works as 'The Sandman Chronicles' and more 'traditional' superheroic comics, like the 'Marvel 1602: Fantastik Four' series and the recent 'Kill Shakespeare' series published by IDW Publishing, visualize Shakespeare's authorship," Morrow noted. "We will consider such questions as 'How do they graphically construct Shakespeare?' and 'How does that construction participate in the authorship question?'"

According to Greg Phelps, library specialist at WIU Libraries and graphic novel enthusiast, University Libraries' graphic novel collection includes more than 350 titles. Tammy Sayles, marketing and outreach librarian, noted that graphic novels are also being taught in some WIU courses.

Additional graphic novel discussions at University Libraries this semester include:

"The (too) Graphic Novel: Teaching 'Fun Home' and 'Persepolis' at WIU," led by Holly Stovall, assistant professor, women's studies, and Marjorie Allison, associate professor, English and journalism, at noon, Thursday, Nov. 4
"From Heroes to Antiheroes, or How Did We Get to Kickass from Superman?" led by Phelps, at noon, Wednesday, Dec. 1