Manga and Graphic Novels

In the novel-driven world of popular fiction, graphic novels and short-short stories haven’t had much of a place—until recently. In this program, Art Spiegelman, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus; Giller Prize-finalist John Gould, writer of 55 fiction and palm-of-the-hand stories; and others who are daring to be different share their successes with these robust genres. Topics range from the influence of manga on the rise in popularity of graphic novels to a growing respect in literary circles for compressed forms of fiction. Portions of graphic novels by Spiegelman and others and readings by Gould are included. (29 minutes)

"Every time I’m about to do a strip, it’s because I can’t avoid it, either because I need the money—in the old days—or now, because I just need to think something through, make it manifest.” In this program, Pulitzer Prize-winner Art Spiegelman—humble, humorous, and completely honest—talks about his life history and his creative process using New York City as a backdrop and family photos, clips from home movies, and panels from comic creations such as Maus, Raw magazine, and In the Shadow of No Towers as props. Françoise Mouly, Spiegelman’s wife and cover editor at The New Yorker, is interviewed as well. Contains instances of explicit language and imagery. (43 minutes)

Doctor Fredric Wertham's book "Seduction of the Innocent" hypothesized that comic book characters encourage crime and homosexuality. The enactment of the Comic Book Code of Authority resulted in less violence in graphic novels. DC Comics created a girlfriend for Batman to make the character more gender normalized.

Superheroes have captivated, entertained and inspired audiences ever since Superman made his comic book debut 75 years ago. This compelling series examines the art form of the comic book superhero and its complex relationship with American culture. Featuring rare footage alongside more than 50 new interviews from pioneers such as Stan Lee, Joe Simon, and Jerry Robinson to contemporary creators including Mark Ward and Grant Morrison, from commentators such as Michael Chabon and Jules Feiffer to iconic actors like Adam West and Lynda Carter, it showcases the evolution of the colorful characters that leapt from the pages of comic books to become the foundation for a multi-billion dollar industry celebrated across the world. Dazzling graphics and remarkable stories illuminate an up-to-the-minute history of the superhero, from the comic strip adventurers of the Great Depression up to the blockbuster CGI movie superstars of the 21st century. Hosted and narrated by Liev Schreiber. (3 videos, 56 minutes each)

If not for Scott McCloud, graphic novels and webcomics might be enjoying a more modest Renaissance. The flourishing of cartooning in the ‘90s and ‘00s, particularly comic-smithing on the Web, can be traced back to his major writings on the comics form. His book Understanding Comics, a comic book about comics, has been translated into 13 languages and has made him an evangelist for comics as a valid literary form. McCloud coined the term “infinite canvas” for the new comics medium made possible with Web browsers. In this fun TEDTalk, McCloud bends the presentation format into a cartoon-like experience, where colorful diversions whiz through childhood fascinations and imagined futures. This captivating look at the magic of comics will prove to viewers why McCloud’s admiring fans include a laundry list of superstar cartoonists.