A new Carlson Library exhibit explores war comics as propaganda, examines gender roles, and illustrates how the lowly comic book served to endorse and criticize, as well as provide an escape from war.
“Drawn into Conflict: The Evolution of War Comics” runs through Friday, Feb. 27, in Carlson Library South Gallery.
Once considered distraction for children, comic books have had a profound effect on American culture. The impact of the medium of comics is evident in popular media, entertainment and consumer culture: superheroes serve as cultural icons and archetypes; comics are used as tools for political and educational ends.
Comics have attained such a level of respect as to warrant serious academic attention — and in the case of Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel “Maus,” have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Perhaps most importantly, comics reflect the society in which they exist and so have proven valuable time capsules to study socio-political change, particularly when comics are viewed through the lens of war.
