Animation and the Ancient World

Chiara Sulprizio, Vanderbilt University
C. W. Marshall, University of British Columbia

We are inviting original chapters of 5000-8000 words for an edited collection that explores the representation of the ancient Mediterranean world (and beyond) within the medium of animation. While there have been collections on comics and film, animation has not yet received similar concentrated attention. We intend this collection to provide focused studies that that will provide a foundation from which further scholarship might develop. We believe that classical reception studies at its best illuminates both the modern work and the ancient point of reference. All Greek and Latin will be translated, of course.

Some chapters will consider familiar examples from (American) popular culture, while others will turn to widely known works, so that the collection may embrace a global perspective and the full history of the medium. All approaches to the topic (e.g. literary, cinematographic, archaeological, historical, art-historical, comparative) are welcome, and we seek to include a broad representation of methodologies. While we expect representative stills to be part of any discussion, the collection will focus on works that are available through easily accessible means, so that the it can be used in teaching as well. Initial expressions of interest have focused on Disney’s Hercules, Extra Olympia Kyklos, Watership Down, The Mighty Hercules, and Porky Pig, and potential subjects extend far beyond that: check out animatedantiquity.com for ideas.

Please send proposals of 200-300 words, along with a cv (no more than 3 pages) to chiara.sulprizio@vanderbilt.edu and toph.marshall@ubc.ca by 16 January 2023. Acceptances will be confirmed by January 31. Final papers will be due in January 2024. We would be happy to discuss ideas with any potential contributors