Why do we love Tinitin, 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 theater 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 are also honoured to confirm Prof. Kevin Lu as our keynote speaker.