The Language of Comics

By: Brett Bell

On Monday, April 14 Carmichael Library at UM hosted a very unique event that celebrated a very special genre of literature, comics. The event was titled "The Language of Comics." There were many exhibits at the event. Each exhibit was used to showcase specific comic artists like Stan Lee and Frank Miller.

The event was opened up with an introduction from English professor, Dr. Alex Berringer. Dr. Berringer teaches English 232 and 234 which are classes that serve as global literature courses. Throughout the semester Dr. Berringer's students have been exploring graphic narratives such as Stan Lee's "X-Men" and comic strips such as "Calvin and Hobbes."

As part of the course the students created exhibits that utilized information about comic artists as well as there works. The exhibits were created with collaborative efforts from the graphic design lab students. Many students had a lot to say about their exhibits.

There are comics you can read in Carmichael Library

Paige Dixon talked about her group's "Art Spiegleman Exhibit" and how Spieglman's graphic novel "Mouse" used animals such as mice to tell the story of the holocaust.

Reed Strength's group did an exhibit on 

Some of the comics on Display

Rodolphe Topffer. "He was basically an early 19th Century comic book artist who perfected the comic strip as we know it," is how Strength explained his group's exhibit.

There were also a wide selection of comic books that would make any comic book collector very excited to see. 

The opening reception attracted many people to come and look at the exhibits. This event is a great way to get a glimpse at comics through the ages.

"The Language of Comics" will be on display in Carmichael Library until May 12.