CALL FOR PAPERS
Comics, Graphic Narrative, and Sequential Art : Call for Contributors for
a proposed collection
Editors: Jake Jakaitis and James F. Wurtz, Indiana State University
Deadline for Submission of Abstract: 1 February 2008
This collection seeks essays on works composed in the medium of comics,
also known as "sequential art" or, in longer form, as "graphic novels".
The Comics genre, if it can be so labeled, joins experiment in narrative
form with a political awareness of the potential of sequential art as a
mass medium. In this collection, we hope to investigate the politics of
graphic narrative and critically examine the comic form, particularly the
relationship between the aesthetic and the political. Possible topics for
essays may include (but are not limited to):
-The relationship between graphic narrative and literary studies
or between various theoretical modes/frameworks and comic form
-The relationship between the written and the visual, and the
constitution of "text" from these various (and sometimes competing)
sources of "meaning".
-Intersections among novelists, film directors or other creative
artists and sequential art.
-The relationship between comics as a visual and narrative medium
and film/television/theater/videogames as visual and narrative media.
-The rise in prominence of authors/writers as opposed to artists.
-Genre and comics – is there a tension between "fiction" and "non-
fiction" within the comic form?
-Issues of sex and gender either within comics, autobiographical
or fantastical, or from outside of the comic, involving issues of
readership and marketing.
-"Otherness" as a central theme, whether subversive or supportive
of the status quo
-Analyses of particular works/crossovers/series/characters
-The "branding" of comics (i.e. the Marvel Universe, the DC
Heroes, or the various offshoots that appeal to mature readers) and/or
the tensions/contrasts between corporate and independent publishers.
-The comic convention as text or subtext to the comic narrative
or form. The relationship between industry and art.
This list is not meant to be comprehensive; rather, any approach that
produces rigorous readings into the complexities of graphic narrative and
form will be considered. Historical, sociological, or other
interdisciplinary approaches to reading graphic narratives are welcomed.
Authors will be responsible for all necessary permissions for reprinting
images from the texts. Final essays should range in length from 5,000 to
9,000 words (not counting notes and Works Cited) and should follow the
current edition of the MLA Style Manual.
Please email abstracts between 200 and 500 words, along with a CV, to
Jake Jakaitis (jjakaitis_at_isugw.indstate.edu) and James F. Wurtz
(jwurtz_at_isugw.indstate.edu)
by February 1st, 2008.
--
Iain Robert Smith
Doctoral Student
Institute of Film and Television
School of American and Canadian Studies
University of Nottingham
University Park
NG7 2RD
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