By Hannah Herrlich, Emerging Technologies Librarian

Comic books have long been a staple of popular culture, often associated with the likes of superheroes saving the day in brightly colored costumes. However, the world of comics is much more diverse and rich than many might realize. From deep storytelling to social commentary, graphic novels and comic books cover a broad spectrum of topics and genres that cater to all ages and interests.

At Fordham University Libraries, our collection includes a wide array of comic books and graphic novels that reflect this diversity, offering something for casual readers, scholars, and comic enthusiasts alike.

The Evolution of Comic Books

The journey of comic books began with pulp fiction, serialized stories, and Sunday morning comic strips. In the 1930s and ’40s, superheroes like Superman and Batman emerged, shaping what many now consider the “Golden Age of Comics.” However, as the medium evolved, so did its stories. The 1960s ushered in the “Silver Age,” marked by more complex characters, like Spider-Man and The X-Men, who faced personal struggles alongside their epic battles.

Today, comic books and graphic novels address themes that range from social justice to personal identity, mental health, and historical events, making them valuable tools for both entertainment and education.

Why Study Comic Books?

Comic books offer a unique fusion of art and literature, combining visual storytelling with text to create layered narratives. Graphic novels, like Art Spiegelman’s Maus or Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, provide powerful accounts of historical events through the lens of personal experience. These works invite readers to engage with challenging topics, like the Holocaust and the Iranian Revolution, in ways that traditional texts might not.

For those interested in visual culture or media studies, comic books also offer insight into changing art styles, narrative techniques, and cultural trends over the decades. From the bold primary colors of the early superhero fare to the nuanced, more somber palettes of modern graphic novels, comic art is an evolving form of visual communication.

Comic Books at Fordham University Libraries

Fordham’s library collection spans both classic and contemporary works. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history of superheroes, delving into alternative and indie comic books, or researching how graphic novels tackle current social issues, our collection provides a comprehensive selection. Some highlights include:

• Watchmen by Alan Moore: A deconstruction of the superhero genre that asks what happens when the people we trust to protect us become corrupt?
• Fun Home by Alison Bechedel: A graphic memoir that explores complex family dynamics, identity, and sexuality.
• Black Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates: A revitalization of the classic Marvel hero, deeply rooted in themes of race, politics, and leadership.
• Palestine by Joe Sacco: A groundbreaking work of comics journalism that documents the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through Sacco’s travels in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang: A powerful exploration of cultural identity, prejudice, and the Asian-American experience.
• Blankets by Craig Thompson: A poignant coming-of-age story that tackles themes of faith, first love, and the challenges of growing up.

Comic Books as a Tool for Education

By combining visual elements with text, comics can simplify complex concepts, making them more accessible to learners of all levels. Graphic Medicine, for example, uses comics to discuss health-related topics, while non-fiction graphic novels can help students visualize and understand history, politics, and societal issues.

Dive into the World of Comics

Whether you’re new to comic books or a lifelong fan, Fordham University Libraries is here to support your exploration of this dynamic medium. Oh, and since it’s October, why not check out New York Comic Con (NYCC) 2024 to witness some of your favorite comic book characters come to life? So stop by the PN6000s section in the stacks, or explore our digital catalog to discover the latest additions to our growing comic book and graphic novel collection.

Comics are more than just stories on a page– they’re windows into different worlds, reflections of societal values, and expressions of personal identity. We encourage you to begin your journey into this visual medium, today!