source: https://call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu/cfp/2025/04/09/beyond-the-comic-strip-exploring-graphic-narratives-creative-inquiry-and-arts-based.
Beyond the Comic Strip: Exploring Graphic Narratives, Creative Inquiry, and Arts-Based Research
A Transdisciplinary Conference
Online, June 24-26, 2025
Proposal deadline: May 15, 2025
Fees:
£100 (for both presenters and attendees)
Prices exclude eventbrite fees
Conference Page: https://labrc.co.uk/beyond-the-comic-strip-2025/
Call for Papers:
“What if I told you that I put my whole life into Tintin?”, Herge
Why do we love Tintin, Calvin and Hobbes, Asterix, Archie, Superman, Captain Underpants, and other comic books? What have they taught us and continue to teach us over the years?
According to screenwriter John Ridley, “There are still some people out there who believe comic books are nothing more than, well, comic books. But the true cognoscenti know graphic novels are – at their best – an amazing blend of art literature and the theatre of the mind.” Graphic narratives, including anime and other types of comic strips have emerged as powerful mediums for storytelling, artistic expression, and scholarly inquiry. Their combination of visual and textual elements offers unique opportunities for engaging with philosophical concepts, psychological theories, and conducting arts-based research. Graphic novels and other forms of comic art offer a unique medium for engaging in arts-based research, where visual storytelling intersects with scholarly inquiry and creative expression.
This transdisciplinary conference aims to examine the rich potential of graphic narratives as a mode of inquiry, expression, and collaboration within the context of arts-based research methodologies. We also seek to shed light on the dynamic relationship between graphic novels, comic strips, and various knowledge fields such as philosophy, psychology, and others. This event will provide a platform for scholars, researchers, artists, and practitioners to explore and discuss the diverse ways in which graphic narratives contribute to understanding, analysing, and communicating complex ideas.
We invite submissions of abstracts for 15-minute presentations (both academic and creative presentations are welcome) that address the conference theme from diverse disciplinary perspectives. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Graphic novels and philosophical thought experiments
- Psychological themes and representations in comic strips
- Visual storytelling in arts-based research methodologies
- Theoretical approaches to analysing graphic narratives
- Intersectionality, diversity, and representation in comics
- Ethics, morality, and social justice in graphic storytelling
- Archetypal figures in popular comics
- The use of comics in education, pedagogy, and academic discourse
- Historical research in comics
- Religious education through graphic novels
- Comedy and comics
- Genre studies and thematic analysis in graphic novels
- Adaptations of graphic novels into other media (film, television, video games)
- Reception studies and audience engagement with graphic narratives
- Digital comics, webcomics, and the evolution of online storytelling
- Intersectionality, representation, and diversity in graphic storytelling
- Theoretical approaches to understanding the function of graphic novels
- Case studies of specific graphic novels and their cultural impact
- Therapeutic functions of comics
- Methodological approaches in graphic arts-based research
- Case studies of graphic novels as research outputs and interventions
- Intersectionality, diversity, and representation in graphic research narratives
- Ethical considerations and challenges in conducting graphic arts-based research
- The role of graphic novels in fostering social change, advocacy, and activism
The full conference programme will be announced following the proposal deadline, once all presenters have been selected.
Note: Participants interested in attending the conference without presenting a paper are also welcome.
Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should be submitted through https://forms.gle/FHgsbs2NwtbamEDU9 by May 15, 2025.
Contact Information: For inquiries or clarifications, please email us at conferences@labrc.co.uk
Join us for an inspiring and transdisciplinary exploration of the intersection of comic strips and arts-based research, and their potential to transform research practice, dissemination, and engagement. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant creative community!
