Visualising Small Traumas: Contemporary Portuguese Comics at the Intersection of Everyday Trauma

Portugal's vibrant comics scene, dating back to the 19th century, has emerged as a powerful medium for questioning hegemonic views on economy, politics, and society. Visualizing Small Traumas is the first English-language book to explore Portuguese contemporary comics and investigate how trauma studies can inform and be informed by comics making.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Leuven University Press

Portugal's vibrant comics scene has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, giving rise to talented individual artists. However, despite its artistic merit, it has remained largely unknown beyond the borders of Portugal. In recent years, a new generation of comics creators has taken up this medium to challenge dominant narratives on economics, politics, and society. Drawing inspiration from the aftermath of the financial crisis and its profound impact on social policies, access to public discourse, and civil unrest, comics have explored the concept of traumatogenic situations and the potential for creative responses.

Visualizing Small Traumas is the first English-language book dedicated to Portuguese contemporary comics. It delves into the world of these comics, examining how trauma studies can shed light on the creative process and be informed by comics themselves. By analyzing established graphic novels by artists like Marco Mendes and Miguel Rocha, fanzines, and even experimental productions, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state of Portuguese comics.

Through its engaging narrative and insightful analysis, Visualizing Small Traumas provides a valuable contribution to the field of trauma studies and comics scholarship. It demonstrates how comics can be a powerful tool for storytelling, exploring complex themes and providing new perspectives on societal issues. By highlighting the work of Portuguese comics creators, the book encourages readers to appreciate the rich diversity and creativity of this medium and its potential to engage and inspire audiences worldwide.

Weight: 555g
Dimension: 230 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789462703032