The 2023 Joint Conference of the International Graphic Novel & Comics and the International Bande Dessinée Society opens on 3rd July at the University of Cambridge, offering an interesting programme of talks aimed, largely, at academics and comic archivists.
Entitled “Better Living Through Comics” the organisers pose the question, “Do comics have a role to play in wellbeing?“
“We find ourselves reeling from a prolonged global period of illness and nervous about a future threatened by climate change. In this moment, we find ourselves prioritizing that which makes us happy, healthy, strong, and connected to one another—and reflecting on those phenomena that can impede these goals.
“What role do comics play in literacy, science education, joy, community building, sexual discovery, hobbies, entrepreneurship, religion, citizenship, self-expression, and all the other aspects of good living around the world? What role do they play in the prevention of these same vital aspects of living well?”
The programme includes a talk by Adam Twycross, entitled “Dreams of Youth: Comic Strips in the Daily Mirror 1935-39” and “Materiality and Metalepsis in Small Press Comics and Its Communities” by Gareth Brookes; and “The Curse that Dare Not Speak Its Name: A Discursive Study of Menstruation and Breaking the Silence in Comics” by Dr Joan Ormrod, on Monday 3rd July; “Mini-Thoughts on Minicomics: Further Adventures in Photocopying” by Paul Williams on Tuesday 4th July; the awarding of the Roger Sabin Prize, and a talk by Julia Round, titled “Creativity and Community in the Letters Pages of British Girls’ Comics”, on Wednesday 5th July (Julia also hosts a panel, “Better Teaching through Comics: A Discussion”, the same day; and a panel hosted by Laurence Grove on Friday 7th July, “Comics and
Wellbeing in Special Times and Places”, the line-up including Ernesto Priego, Kin-wai Chu, and Alison Mandaville; and “Visitor First! Designing Wellbeing in an Exhibition about Comics: The Example of the Blake and Mortimer Series by Edgar P. Jacobs” by Éric Dubois, Associated professor of Design at École Boulle, Paris, France.
Speakers during the week also include Panel Borders podcast host Alex Fitch and many more.
We’re informed the conference is also being presented online; you can still request online access even though the registration period is technically closed… their email is comics23@educ.cam.ac.uk if you’d like to give it a go.
• The 2023 Joint Conference of the International Graphic Novel & Comics and the International Bande Dessinée Society 3rd – 7th July 2023, Cambridge University | All panels and keynotes are in the Donald McIntyre Building at the Faculty of Education unless otherwise noted in the programme
• Web: educ.cam.ac.uk/events/conferences/comics23/ | Direct Programme Link (PDF)
With thanks to Adam Twycross
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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