Belgian comic book artist Hergè, the pseudonym of Georges Prosper Remi is one of the most notable and widely renowned artists of the early 20th century, most prominently known for his works ‘The...Show moreBelgian comic book artist Hergè, the pseudonym of Georges Prosper Remi is one of the most notable and widely renowned artists of the early 20th century, most prominently known for his works ‘The Adventures of TinTin’ (org. Les Aventures de Tintin). His style is distinct and recognisable, and he is seen as a pioneer of this style as a comic art movement at the time. The use of clear lines, and the clear, realistic backgrounds, in contrast to the caricaturist appearance of the figures and creatures in the foreground, are some of the distinct markers of his style. This style was later named Ligne Claire. Hergè, like many contemporaries, were interested in the Japanese woodblock prints that were available in Europe at the time. This thesis explores why characteristics of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, impressionism, and Shin-hanga prints can be found in Hergé’s work through orientalist theory and the lens of cultural appropriation.Show less
Thesis examines the Italian spy comic book series Alan Ford and its cross-cultural reading in Yugoslavia and ex-Yugoslav states as not only an ideological critique Capitalism, but also of Marxism...Show moreThesis examines the Italian spy comic book series Alan Ford and its cross-cultural reading in Yugoslavia and ex-Yugoslav states as not only an ideological critique Capitalism, but also of Marxism-Leninism and Yugoslav socialism.Show less
This thesis primary examines how historical memory in East Asia manifests itself into popular culture, specifically comic books. In both China and Japan there are many examples of media pertaining...Show moreThis thesis primary examines how historical memory in East Asia manifests itself into popular culture, specifically comic books. In both China and Japan there are many examples of media pertaining to national tragedy. These narratives often seek to educate their readership, in addition to entertaining readers. Historical comics are often overtly written with the aim of explaining or educating about national tragedies such as the Atomic Bombings in Japan and the Nanjing Massacre in China. This thesis seeks to position comic histories as a legitimate form of alternative historical narrative. Furthermore, it seeks to show that alternative narratives about national tragedy often align with or compliment canonical narratives within a nation-state.Show less