8. Religion and Spirituality in Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga
Comics – that is, narratives using static images – are often used to convey religious propaganda (e.g., the life of the Buddha).
Religious motives also occur in mainstream comics, such as Norse religion in Valhalla, Catholic morality and imagery in Tintin, the Muslim superheroine in the Ms. Marvel series, or a religious calling in the graphic novel Blankets. Often elements from different traditions interact.
Also intriguing is the strong commitment to reading, discussing, and studying comics, both individually and collectively, including on mega-events called Comic Cons, where visitors dress up as characters from comics, games, and movies.
Here, the research theme approaches the domain of the study of fiction-based religion. Another point of interest is the often critical perspective of the portrayal of religion in comics and cartoons given by religious actors.
This session is meant to give an impetus to an upcoming field of study, inviting papers using various methods and approaches.
Session chairperson
Kees de Groot & Pål Ketil Botvar
Contact
Kees de Groot
c.n.degroot@tilburguniversity.edu