Comics and the world wars

Comics and the world wars

by Jane Chapman

Part of Palgrave studies in the history of media

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About
Comics and the World Wars argues for the use of comics as a primary source by offering a highly original argument that such examples produced during the World Wars act as a cultural record. Recuperating currently unknown or neglected works, this book demonstrates how these can be used for the study of both world wars. Representing the fruits of over five years team research, the authors reveal how sequential illustrated narratives used humour as a coping mechanism and a way to criticise authority, promoted certain forms of behaviour and discouraged others. Comics also served as a deliberately inclusive educational strategy for reading wartime content, and became a barometer for contemporary popular thinking.

Discussion questions for Comics and the world wars

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  1. 1

    How does viewing comics as a primary historical source change your understanding of World War I and World War II compared to traditional textbooks or official documents?

  2. 2

    In what ways did wartime comics function as a barometer for popular thinking, and do you see modern equivalents in media today that capture the public's mood during times of crisis?

  3. 3

    The book discusses how sequential illustrated narratives used humor as a coping mechanism; how do you think laughter and satire help people endure collective trauma and hardship?

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