The Comic Book Western: New Perspectives on a Global Genre

The Comic Book Western explores the global impact of Western comics, revealing how they became popular in different countries and how they addressed cultural and political issues. The essays in the collection show how Western comics influenced fascism, historical memory, manga, post-apocalypticism, race and identity, gender politics, manifest destiny, and gaucho nationalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The Western, a cultural phenomenon that has achieved global success, is often attributed to the widespread circulation of fiction, film, and television. However, a lesser-known aspect of this phenomenon is the significant role played by comics in the globalization of the Western. The Comic Book Western explores the impact of comics on the international success of Westerns, highlighting their role in shaping the genre's global appeal.

As readers worldwide embraced translations of American comic book Westerns, they were also captivated by local versions that achieved national or international acclaim. These essays delve into the unexpected cross-pollinations that allowed the Western to emerge from and speak to diverse historical and cultural contexts, including Spanish and Italian fascism, Polish historical memory, the ideology of shōjo manga from Japan, British post-apocalypticism and the gothic, race and identity in Canada, Mexican gender politics, French critiques of manifest destiny, and gaucho nationalism in Argentina.

The vibrant themes uncovered in The Comic Book Western shed light on the complexity and aesthetic power of international comic book Westerns. These works are not mere hollow imitations but profound statements about identity, culture, and politics. They demonstrate the ways in which comics can transcend geographical boundaries and engage with readers from different cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.

The Comic Book Western serves as a valuable contribution to the study of popular and American culture, offering a fresh perspective on the globalization of the Western. It highlights the enduring appeal of the genre and its ability to adapt and resonate with audiences across the world. By exploring the cross-pollinations between comics and other cultural forms, The Comic Book Western provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between culture, identity, and power.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496218995