Comics College Launches at Eugene Public Library: A Deep Dive into the Art Form
The Eugene Public Library is set to host “Comics College,” a free, four-part lecture series beginning Saturday, February 28, 2026, exploring the history, appreciation, and cultural impact of comics and graphic novels. The series aims to demonstrate the academic merits of comic books and showcase how the medium uniquely tells stories.
Exploring the Power of Sequential Art
Each session of Comics College will be led by Dr. Andréa Gilroy, a local comics scholar and owner of Books With Pictures Eugene . The lectures will delve into what makes comics a powerful storytelling medium, distinct from novels and other forms of literature. According to Dante Buccieri, adult services librarian at the Eugene Public Library, the series is an “extension of my work” and a way to show the public that comic books are “more than just the funny pages” .
Lecture Series Schedule
Comics College will be held at 3 p.m. On the last Saturday of each month from February through May. The schedule includes:
- February 28: “What Makes Comics Great”
- March 28: “BC Stands for Before Comics: From Cave Paintings to Modern Comics”
- April 25: “PANIC! at the Bookstore: A History of Comics Censorship”
- May 23: “Comics Around the World”
A Look at Comics History and Cultural Relevance
Dr. Gilroy emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of comics. She notes that the history of comics is intertwined with art history and world history, reflecting American culture and broader societal movements . The series will also address the recurring debates surrounding politics in comics, highlighting that concerns about political content are not new, dating back to at least 1942 .
Community and Connection
Dr. Gilroy sees the lecture series as a way to foster community connection, particularly after the disruptions of the pandemic . She hopes the series will provide a space for people to come together, produce friends, and engage with the local community.
Free and Open to All
All sessions of Comics College are free and open to the public. The Eugene Public Library encourages anyone interested in learning more about comics and graphic novels to attend .
The post Eugene Library’s Comics College: Explore the Art of Graphic Novels appeared first on Archynewsy.