The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature: Artists and Writers on Creating Graphic Narratives, Poetry Comics, and Literary Collage

Poet and cartoonist Ervick (The Keeper) and Sequential Artist’s Workshop school founder and cartoonist Hart (Rosalie Lightning) host a dazzling showcase of short academic essays designed to get artists and educators jazzed about the “hybrid form” of comics. Selections cover the elements of comics composition, including page design, dialogue, and illustration, and discuss how to apply these tools to experimental narratives, collage comics, “comics poetry,” journalism, memoir, political cartooning, and more. The contributors represent an eclectic mix of traditional cartoonists, mixed-media artists, and writers across a range of cultural backgrounds. Naoko Fujimoto’s use of historical Japanese picture scrolls for inspiration sits beside Deborah A. Miranda’s mosaic approach to family history and Nick Francis Potter’s “deconstruction of play.” Each viewpoint features samples of art and a creative exercise. As varied as the topics run, they’re united by a personal, empathetic approach that makes abstract theory accessible. Instructors teaching comics as a mature art form will find this collection indispensable, and aspiring cartoonists will be inspired. (July)