The Comics Studies Society (CSS) is an interdisciplinary society open to all who share the goals of promoting the critical study of comics, improving comics teaching, and engaging in open and ongoing conversations about the comics world.
Abstract: In their article "Intermediality as Cultural Literacy and Teaching the Graphic Novel" Geert Vandermeersche and Ronald Soetaert argue for the inclusion of the graphic novel for the teaching of cultural literacy and literature. As the printed book is no longer the sole carrier of cultural literacy...
History: Graphic Novels and ComicsSummary: This essay collection examines the theory and history of graphic narrative as one of the most interesting and versatile forms of narrative beyond traditional literary texts. Analyzing a wide range of texts, genres, and narrative strategies from both theoretical and historical perspectives, its various contributors offer state-of-the-art research on graphic narrative in the context of an increasingly postclassical and transmedial narratology.
Treatment of GenderA literary criticism of the graphic novel "Shortcomings," by Adrian Tomine is presented. It explores the intertwined relationship between the optical and the ethical, and how comics show both processes, focusing on surveillance. It outlines the architecture of the novel which illustrates both the shortcomings and expectations of the relationships of protagonist Ben Tanaka with women.
