New issue of European Comic Art released

By John Freeman on January 16, 2015

The latest issue of European Comic Art has recently been published by Berghahn Journals, the first English-language scholarly publication devoted to the study of European-language graphic novels, comic strips, comic books and caricature.

Published in association with the American Bande Dessinée Society and the International Bande Dessinée Society, European Comic Art builds on existing scholarship in French-language comic art and is able to draw on the scholarly activities undertaken by both organisations. However, its editorial board and consultative committee bring expertise on a wider European area of comic art production and the journal will emphasise coverage of work from across Europe, including Eastern Europe.

The latest issue (Volume 7, Issue 2) explores several topics, including how comics express a range of emotions, transfer from different media, play into national concerns and traditions, and more. These include Drawing Dispossession: A New Graphic Adaptation of Anthony Trollope’s John Caldigate by Simon Grennan; Drawing the Written Woman: Philippe Druillet’s Adaptation of Gustave Flaubert’s Salammbô by Sonia Lagerwall; and an interview with cartoonist and animator Guy Delisle, conducted in English by Kenan Kocak.

The issue concludes with a reviews section of recently-released books, exhibitions and conferences.

Some articles are free to view online while others require purchase of the issue.

In addition to the release of this new issue, Berghahn Journals has announced that, in light of the tragic events in Paris, they have made a number of articles freely available with hopes that they may contribute to advancing public understanding of comics and cartoons as well as the historical legacy of itself.

The articles first appeared in the 2009 volume of European Comic Art and you can access these articles via the following link: bit.ly/ECA_CharlieHebdo

• Visit the Berghahn website for more information about the journal: www.journals.berghahnbooks.com/eca

John Freeman

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.