Graphic Novels and Comics as World Literature

This collection of essays expands the study of graphic narratives from the Global South by focusing on texts from the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. It explores how these texts engage with notions of World Literature and addresses issues such as translation, commodification, circulation, and Orientalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Graphic narratives are truly remarkable art forms that have captivated audiences around the world. However, when it comes to scholarly discussions, the focus tends to be primarily on graphic novels and comics originating from Europe and the United States. This limited perspective overlooks the rich and diverse graphic narratives emerging from regions such as the Global South. To address this gap, this collection of essays takes a bold step forward. By delving into texts from the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia, it expands the horizons of graphic narrative studies to a global scale.

Furthermore, Graphic Novels and Comics as World Literature goes beyond a mere Western approach, exploring how these texts engage with, contribute to, or complicate notions of World Literature. It incorporates a broader theoretical framework that encompasses postcolonial, decolonial, Global South, and similar approaches that advocate for the validity and significance of non-Western graphic narratives on their own terms.

In this comprehensive collection, the authors examine the intricate ways in which the unique formal qualities of graphic narratives from the Global South intersect with pressing issues in the study of international literatures. These include translation, commodification, circulation, Orientalism, and many others. By examining these intersections, the collection sheds light on the complex dynamics and challenges faced by graphic narratives in the global context.

Through its diverse range of essays, Graphic Novels and Comics as World Literature offers valuable insights into the world of graphic narratives, broadening our understanding and appreciation of this art form. It serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of cultural exchange in shaping our global narrative.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501373404