Portland Public Library

Comics art, Paul Gravett

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 140-141) and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Comics art

bibliography

870274278

Paul Gravett

In this fascinating survey, acclaimed author Paul Gravett considers the vast output of comics culture from the late 19th century to today, tracing international lines of influence and examining major themes in contemporary comics"Comics have never been a more dynamic and challenging art form than in the 21st century. The phenomenal growth of graphic novels and manga and the explosion of comics on the internet and other platforms have given their creators unprecedented freedom to innovate. Many can enjoy widespread acclaim in the art world, in literary circles and through their multimedia adaptations. Comics Art takes an international approach by tracing lines of influence around the world to give historical contexts and contemporary perspectives for this huge current interest in the medium. Richly illustrated with many images taken from original artwork and rare artefacts, Comics Art gives a fascinating, accessible guide to some of the special properties of sequential art, such as panels, page layouts, speech balloons and wordless or 'silent' narration. It addresses concerns about how comics perpetuate stereotypes and support the status quo, while assessing their growing significance, notably through autobiography and reportage, as vehicles for provocative voices often silenced in other media. Comics Art also explores the diversity of styles, media and approaches now possible in the medium and exciting developments in digital comics and in comics conceived for galleries and installations."--Back cover

Encompassing comics : the other history -- Frames of reference : properties of comics -- More than words can say : silent comics -- Between the panels : the power of the panel -- Unheard voices : who is afraid of comics? -- First-persons singular : autobiography in comics -- The human touch : style and individuality -- Infinite canvases : comics in the digital age