Short Description

Graphic novels have seen a resurgence in popularity with adults due to recent adaptations into film, attention from mainstream bookstores and an increased openness to the art form. In this course we will read and discuss seminal graphic novels including Watchmen by Alan Moore, Buddha by Osamu Tezuka and Palestine by Joe Sacco. Along the way we will discuss each artist's unique approach to storytelling and find out how this unique melding of words and pictures differs from poetry, literature and film. We'll also touch on the history of the medium from newspaper strips through comic books to underground comix.

For the first class, please read Craig Thompson's semi-autobiographical novel of love and adolescence, Blankets (see below).

One more note: I realize that the four books for this course are rather lengthy. As you know, graphic novels read much more quickly than conventional novels. Also, you should not feel obligated to read the entire book before coming to class. There is plenty to talk about even if you have only read the first half (or even the first 10 pages!).

Required Books

• Read For Week One: Blankets. Craig Thompson. 2003, Top Shelf Productions. ISBN: 1891830430.
• Read For Week Two: Buddha, Vol 1: Kapilavastu. Osamu Tezuka. 2003, Vertical. ISBN: 193223456X.
• Read For Week Three: Palestine. Joe Sacco. 2002, Fantagraphics Books. ISBN: 156097432X
• Read For Week Four: Watchmen. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. 1995, DC Comics. ISBN: 0930289234.

Optional Books

The following optional books cover the language and history of comics and expand on many of the ideas we will cover in class. They are not required, but you may want to read or consult these books as you take the course.

• Comics and Sequential Art. Will Eisner. 1985, Poorhouse Press. ISBN: 0961472812
• Understanding Comics. Scott McCloud. 1994, Perennial Currents. ISBN: 006097625X