Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's Watchmen has been widely hailed as a landmark in the development of the graphic novel. It was not only aesthetically groundbreaking but also anticipated future developments in politics, literature, and intellectual property. Demonstrating a keen eye for historical detail, Considering Watchmen gives readers a new appreciation of just how radical Moore and Gibbons's blend of gritty realism and formal experimentation was back in 1986. The book also considers Watchmen's place in the history of the comics industry, reading the graphic novel's playful critique of superhero marketing alongside Alan Moore's public statements about the rights to the franchise. Andrew Hoberek examines how Moore and Gibbons engaged with the emerging discourses of neoconservatism and neoliberal capitalism, ideologies that have only become more prominent in subsequent years. Watchmen's influences on the superhero comic and graphic novel are undeniable, but Hoberek reveals how it has also had profound effects on literature as a whole. He suggests that Watchmen not only proved that superhero comics could rise to the status of literature-it also helped to inspire a generation of writers who are redefining the boundaries of the literary, from Jonathan Lethem to Junot Diaz. Hoberek delivers insight and analysis worthy of satisfying serious readers of the genre while shedding new light on Watchmen as both an artistic accomplishment and a book of ideas.

This book calls for an investigation of the "borderlands of narrativity" the complex and culturally productive area where the symbolic form of narrative meets other symbolic logics, such as data(base), play, spectacle, or ritual. It opens up a conversation about the "beyond" of narrative, about the myriad constellations in which narrativity interlaces with, rubs against, or morphs into the principles of other forms. To conceptualise these borderlands, the book introduces the notion of "narrative liminality", which the 16 articles utilize to engage literature, popular culture, digital technology, historical artifacts, and other kinds of texts from a time span of close to 200 years.

Immigrants and Comics is an interdisciplinary, themed anthology that focuses on how comics have played a crucial role in representing, constructing, and reifying the immigrant subject and the immigrant experience in popular global culture of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Nhora Lucia Serrano and a diverse group of contributors examine immigrant experience as they navigate new socio-political milieux in cartoons, comics, and graphic novels across cultures and time periods. They interrogate how immigration is portrayed in comics and how the 'immigrant' was an indispensable and vital trope to the development of the comics medium in the twentieth century. At the heart of the book's interdisciplinary nexus is a critical framework steeped in the ideas of remembrance and commemoration, what Pierre Nora calls lieux de memoire. This book will be of interest to students and scholars in Visual Studies, Comparative Literature, English, Ethnic Studies, Francophone Studies, American Studies, Hispanic Studies, art history, and museum studies.

Discover the uniquely dynamic work of acclaimed artist Jock, from his groundbreaking comics art to his stunning posters for the pop culture company Mondo and his evocative concept illustrations for a range of acclaimed films. Mark Simpson, known by his pen name, Jock, is an internationally recognized three-time"New York Times "best-selling artist and Eisner Award nominee. Over the last two decades, Jock has become one of the most distinguished illustrators in comics, with credits that include titles with DC Comics/Vertigo ("The Losers, Batman: The Black Mirror, Green Arrow: Year One"), Marvel ("Savage Wolverine, Daredevil"), and his runaway success, "Wytches"(co-created with Scott Snyder for Image Comics). He is also known for his extensive work with Mondo the renowned pop culture company famous for its iconic poster designs and collectibles including electrifying posters that offer unique interpretations of fan-favorite movies such as "Shaun of the Dead," "The Thing," "Pan s Labyrinth," "The Dark Knight Trilogy," "Halloween," and many more. In the movie world, Jock s concept art has defined the look of major films such as "Dredd," "Ex Machina," and "Star Wars Episode VIII." Made in collaboration with Mondo, "The Art of Jock"delves into the prolific artist s catalog, showcasing not only the best of his sketches and published images but also personal notes from Jock himself that provide insight into the inner workings of his creative process. Featuring commentary from long-time collaborators, including Scott Snyder and Alex Garland, this look into the mind and method of one of the most critically acclaimed illustrators working today is a must-have for fans of comic book and pop culture art, as well as aspiring artists and illustrators. Features two gatefolds, plus excusive vellum and acetate overlays that further illuminate Jock s creative process."

In this comprehensive textbook, editors Matthew J. Brown, Randy Duncan, and Matthew J. Smith offer students a deeper understanding of the artistic and cultural significance of comic books and graphic novels by introducing key theories and critical methods for analyzing comics. Each chapter explains and then demonstrates a critical method or approach, which students can then apply to interrogate and critique the meanings and forms of comic books, graphic novels, and other sequential art. Contributors introduce a wide range of critical perspectives on comics, including disability studies, parasocial relationships, scientific humanities, queer theory, linguistics, critical geography, philosophical aesthetics, historiography, and much more. As a companion to the acclaimed Critical Approaches to Comics: Theories and Methods, this second volume features 19 fresh perspectives and serves as a stand-alone textbook in its own right. More Critical Approaches to Comics is a compelling classroom or research text for students and scholars interested in Comics Studies, Critical Theory, the Humanities, and beyond.

Meet Marvel Comics' greatest heroes and villains in this restored journal, narrated by Nick Fury. This comprehensive guide introduces super heroes alongside their deadliest enemies. It includes Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, Captain America and the Red Skull., Thor and Loki, Wolverine and Sabretooth - and many more! Featuring artwork from the Marvel Comics' archives, this book is a must-have addition to any collector's shelf. (c) 2020 MARVEL.

Contributions by Novia Shih-Shan Chen, Elizabeth Rae Coody, Keri Crist-Wagner, Sara Durazo-DeMoss, Charlotte Johanne Fabricius, Ayanni C. Hanna, Christina M. Knopf, Tomoko Kuribayashi, Samantha Langsdale, Jeannie Ludlow, Marcela Murillo, Sho Ogawa, Pauline J. Reynolds, Stefanie Snider, J. Richard Stevens, Justin Wigard, Daniel F. Yezbick, and Jing ZhangMonsters seem to be everywhere these days, in popular shows on television, in award-winning novels, and again and again in Hollywood blockbusters. They are figures that lurk in the margins and so, by contrast, help to illuminate the center - the embodiment of abnormality that summons the definition of normalcy by virtue of everything they are not. Samantha Langsdale and Elizabeth Rae Coody's edited volume explores the coding of woman as monstrous and how the monster as dangerously evocative of women/femininity/the female is exacerbated by the intersection of gender with sexuality, race, nationality, and disability. To analyze monstrous women is not only to examine comics, but also to witness how those constructions correspond to women's real material experiences. Each section takes a critical look at the cultural context surrounding varied monstrous voices: embodiment, maternity, childhood, power, and performance. Featured are essays on such comics as Faith, Monstress, Bitch Planet, and Batgirl and such characters as Harley Quinn and Wonder Woman. This volume probes into the patriarchal contexts wherein men are assumed to be representative of the normative, universal subject, such that women frequently become monsters.

Deep dive into the full story of Marvel Comics in a single, beautifully illustrated volume. Created in full collaboration with Marvel, this fan-favourite title, last published in 2017, now covers more than 80 years of Marvel history, from the company's first incarnation as Timely Comics to the multimedia giant it is today. Packed with artwork from the original comics, this chronological account traces the careers of Marvel Super Heroes such as The Avengers, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Iron Man, Black Widow, and Guardians of the Galaxy, and the writers and artists who developed them. It also charts the real-life events that shaped the times and details Marvel landmarks in publishing, movies, and TV. Explore the pages of this magnificent Marvel book to discover: - Timeless art from the original comic books on every page that brings the text vividly to life. - Easy to navigate, chronological presentation of key events, plus an extensive index. - Written by leading Marvel historians: Tom DeFalco, Peter Sanderson, Tom Brevoort, Matthew K. Manning, and Stephen (Win) Wiacek. This latest edition to DK's best-selling encyclopedic Marvel publications offers an unparalleled breadth and depth of information about the company and its vast creations, bringing the Marvel story fully up-to-date with information on all the company's achievements. The format is accessible and easy-to-navigate, showcasing chronological presentations of Marvel milestones alongside real-life events, as well as an extensive index. A must-have volume for all Marvel fans from age 12 to adult, whether for readers interested in popular culture and comic books, or fans of Marvel comics and movies seeking to broaden their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the company's history, impact, trends, and huge output.

Late for a meeting, lost your keys or having romance problems? Sometimes we all need a little guidance, and this new series pitches our favourite super-heroes against tricky situations we will all recognise, from battles with body positivity to pacifying office conflict - with often hilarious results. With official Marvel comic-book artwork throughout, and a dynamic design, this is the perfect book for Spider-Man fans who want to see the world through the eyes of their hero.

A breathtakingly imaginative fantasy series starring Max - a trans high school student who has to save the world as a Magical Girl ... as a boy! Although he was assigned female at birth, Max is your average trans man trying to get through high school as himself. But on top of classes, crushes and coming out, Max's life is turned upside down when his mom reveals an eons old family secret: he's descended from a long line of Magical Girls tasked with defending humanity from a dark, ancient evil! With a sassy feline sidekick and loyal gang of friends by his side, can Max take on his destiny, save the world and become the next Magical Boy? A hilarious and heartfelt riff on the magical girl genre made popular by teen manga series, Magical Boy is a one-of-a-kind fantasy series that comic readers of all ages will love.

Don Rosa is one of the world's most popular cartoonists. For over 20 years he kept up the duck universe of his idol Carl Barks with his stories about Scrooge McDuck, Donald Duck and the Beagle Boys Inc. He is adored for his detailed duck adventures. His biography The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck earned him immortality and an Eisner Award. But who is the man behind the ducks? Don Rosa - I Still Get Chills! has the answers. It is published in honour of Don Rosa's 66th and Scrooge McDuck's 70th birthday. And what's more, Don Rosa himself lent a hand with this book, commenting on photos and drawings, creating typical Don Rosa quotes and turning it into a unique Don Rosa work.

Perfect for fans of Liz Pichon's Tom Gates series! 'Fast and bonkers and very funny with very lovable characters' PERDITA CARGILL on The Cartoons That Came to Life When best friends and comic strip creators Finn and Isha discover a group of 'lost toons' stranded in the real world, they vow to help them get back home. But a mistake sees the pair zapped into Toon World themselves! With the help of their own characters - Arley, Tapper and Jenny Weatherlegs - Finn and Isha must defeat two of the worst baddies ever created, while navigating the biggest bump in their friendship. And make it back to the real world before it's all too late ... The rambunctious sequel to Tom Ellen's critically acclaimed The Cartoons That Came to Life; perfect for readers aged 8-12 Brilliant laugh-out-loud comic-style illustrations by Phil Corbett Perfect for fans of Captain Underpants and Tom Gates, this big-hearted, funny adventure series celebrates individuality, friendship and true loyalty

James Ryman's first collection of stunningly delightful demons and terrifyingly gorgeous women was so well received, we decided to do it again! This second volume contains all new material that delves deeply into the mind of this most talented and disturbed individual! James' ability to create all new levels of hideous beastie and sultry beauty puts him on the fast track to fantasy art supremacy. Fables, myths, legends, nightmares - it's all open for Ryman's bizarre and amazing interpretations.

Entertaining Comics Group (EC Comics) is perhaps best-known today for lurid horror comics like Tales from the Crypt and for a publication that long outlived the company's other titles, Mad magazine. But during its heyday in the early 1950s, EC was also an early innovator in another genre of comics: the so-called "preachies," socially conscious stories that boldly challenged the conservatism and conformity of Eisenhower-era America. EC Comics examines a selection of these works - sensationally-titled comics such as "Hate!", "The Guilty!", and "Judgment Day!" - and explores how they grappled with the civil rights struggle, antisemitism, and other forms of prejudice in America. Putting these socially aware stories into conversation with EC's better-known horror stories, Qiana Whitted discovers surprising similarities between their narrative, aesthetic, and marketing strategies. She also recounts the controversy that these stories inspired and the central role they played in congressional hearings about offensive content in comics. The first serious critical study of EC's social issues comics, this book will give readers a greater appreciation of their legacy. They not only served to inspire future comics creators, but also introduced a generation of young readers to provocative ideas and progressive ideals that pointed the way to a better America. Winner of the 2020 Eisner Award for Best Academic/Scholarly Work.

Autobiography is one of the most dynamic and quickly-growing genres in contemporary comics and graphic narratives. In Serial Selves, Frederik Byrn Kohlert examines the genre's potential for representing lives and perspectives that have been socially marginalized or excluded. With a focus on the comics form's ability to produce alternative and challenging autobiographical narratives, thematic chapters investigate the work of artists writing from perspectives of marginality including gender, sexuality, disability, and race, as well as trauma. Interdisciplinary in scope and attuned to theories and methods from both literary and visual studies, the book provides detailed formal analysis to show that the highly personal and hand-drawn aesthetics of comics can help artists push against established narrative and visual conventions, and in the process invent new ways of seeing and being seen. As the first comparative study of how comics artists from a wide range of backgrounds use the form to write and draw themselves into cultural visibility, Serial Selves will be of interest to anyone interested in the current boom in autobiographical comics, as well as issues of representation in comics and visual culture more broadly.

Howard Cruse is the first biography to tell the life story of one of the most important figures in LGBTQ+ comics. A preacher's kid from Alabama who became "the godfather of queer comics," Cruse (1944-2019) was a groundbreaking underground cartoonist, a wicked satirist, an LGBTQ+ activist, and a mentor to a vast network of queer comics artists. His comic strip Wendel, published in The Advocate throughout the 1980s, is considered a revolutionary moment in the development of LGBTQ+ comics, as is his inaugurating the editorship of Gay Comix with Kitchen Sink Press in 1979, which furthered the careers of important artists like Jennifer Camper and Alison Bechdel. Cruse's graphic novel Stuck Rubber Baby, published in 1995, fictionalizes his own coming out in the context of the civil rights movement in 1960s Birmingham and was a significant forerunner to contemporary graphic novels and memoirs. Howard Cruse draws on extensive archival research and interviews and covers Cruse's entire body of work: the cute and zany Barefootz, the unexpected innovations of the Gay Comix stories, the domestic intimacies of Wendel, and the complexity and power of Stuck Rubber Baby. The book places Cruse's art in the context of his life and his times, including the historic movements for gay rights and against the AIDS crisis, and it celebrates this extraordinary and essential figure of LGBTQ+ comics and American comics art more broadly.

Histories and criticism of comics note that comic strips published in the Progressive Era were dynamic spaces in which anxieties about race, ethnicity, class, and gender were expressed, perpetuated, and alleviated. The proliferation of comic strip children-white and nonwhite, middle-class and lower class, male and female-suggests that childhood was a subject that fascinated and preoccupied Americans at the turn of the century. Many of these strips, including R.F. Outcault's Hogan's Alley and Buster Brown, Rudolph Dirks's The Katzenjammer Kids and Winsor McCay's Little Nemo in Slumberland were headlined by child characters. Yet no major study has explored the significance of these verbal-visual representations of childhood. Incorrigibles and Innocents addresses this gap in scholarship, examining the ways childhood was depicted and theorized in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century comic strips. Drawing from and building on histories and theories of childhood, comics, and Progressive Era conceptualizations of citizenship and nationhood, Lara Saguisag demonstrates that child characters in comic strips expressed and complicated contemporary notions of who had a right to claim membership in a modernizing, expanding nation.

Since 1978 Jim Davis' sarcastic, orange tabby cat has entertained millions of people appearing in Newspapers, books, cartoons and even his own films. Why has a lazy, coffee drinking, lasagna loving feline become a worldwide sensation loved by millions of people? From his small-town beginnings in Muncie, Indiana, The History of Garfield explores our relationship with Garfield, Jon and Odie and how Davis' characters have become such an integral part of American pop culture over the decades.

..".an arresting terror!" -- Rick Kogan; Chicago Tribune Magazine With an ADDITIONAL 32 pages, superior printing, and a secure HARDCOVER binding, KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas picks up where the softcover edition of The Devil in Design leaves off. In the early Christmas traditions of Europe, the Krampus was St. Nicholas' dark servanta hairy, horned, supernatural beast whose pointed ears and long slithering tongue gave misbehavers the creeps! Whereas St. Nicholas would reward children who'd been good all year, those that had behaved badly were visited by the Krampus. This NEW and IMPROVED edition includes an introduction, a historical survey of the character, and over 180 lavish pre-World War 1 Krampus postcards. KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas is a lush, hair-raising collection guaranteed to give even Stephen King the creeps!