cfp.english.upenn.edu

Alongside the continued popularity of political themes in comics recent years have also seen the rise of religious themes entering into the medium. The aim of this two day conference is to explore the relationship between comics, religion and politics in greater depth, to show how through the unique properties of the medium comics have the ability to be as thought-provoking as they are entertaining. The conference will examine the history and impact of religious and political themes, their relationship to audiences, and consider the future of such themes in all forms of sequential art narrative.

We invite papers that address religious and/or political themes in comic strips, comic books, graphic novels, or manga. Papers working at the interface of these two areas are particularly encouraged. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

- Comics as social, religious, political text
- Use of religious imagery and themes
- Fan culture
- Political cartoons and cartoonists
- Gothic comics
- Comics and magic
- Representation of politics, religion, spirituality
- Religious or political rhetoric of comics and their authors
- Myths, legends, fables
- Depiction of religious figures or politicians as comic characters
- Comics and science fiction
- Comics and propaganda
- Comics and conspiracy theories
- Representation of apocalypse, utopia, dystopia
- Representation of war
- Superheroes and religious, political identity
- Theoretical approaches to the study of religion, politics in comics

Contributions are sought from researchers at any stage of their careers. Abstracts (300 words) for papers 20 minutes in length should be sent with a short biography to Emily Laycock at e.laycock@lancaster.ac.uk

Deadline for abstracts: 31st May 2012

Website: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/ppr/event/3960/