Esotericism in Comic Books and Graphic Literature

Course Code: CM 247/314 NE (online-English)

Course Dates: Commences October 2011

Instructor: Jason Lawton Winslade

Description:

The close relationship between Western Esotericism and comics has existed since the inception of the medium, as evidenced by references to Freemasonry in one of the first comic strips ever, “The Yellow Kid,” published in American newspapers beginning in 1894. Before they created Superman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster introduced “Doctor Occult” in 1935 as one of the first superheroes. The presence of the occult has been continuous in the medium ever since, with superheroes often obtaining their power through occult means, as well as magicians, mystics, witches, mediums and occult detectives. Arguably, the presence of esoteric symbolism in early comics is a further development of their use in political cartoons and alchemical illustrations. Like alchemical art, comics have the ability to use both words and images to express complex esoteric ideas. Though the occult is often a narrative shortcut to represent hidden power, both on the side of good and evil, cartoonists and authors have also used occult content and themes to explore broader issues, like colonialism, racism, social politics, and gender. Authors like Grant Morrison and Alan Moore have even introduced specific occult teachings to mainstream readership through their work.

This course will build upon the foundation created in the introductory pop culture course. We will examine the medium of graphic literature as both a narrative form and an art form, specifically focusing on examples of esoteric imagery meant to induce a certain state of mind in the reader. We will begin with work that address the physiological components of comic reading, based on analyses of artistic conventions used in comic books. Next, we will trace the ways that comic books both represented and influenced popular culture through various volatile eras, and how esoteric thought was involved with that process. Finally, we will analyze in depth several works by notable authors who engage with ideas of magic, secret knowledge, and power. Students have the opportunity to engage in both original research and creative responses through the medium of graphic literature. Aspiring cartoonists and comic authors welcome.

Required text:

• Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes by Christopher Knowles, Weiser Books, 2007.
• The Power of Comics: History, Form and Culture by Randy Duncan and Matthew J. Smith, Continuum Press, 2009.
• Course packet with various articles, chapters, and lectures by Dr. Winslade.
• Various comic books and graphic novels.

Prerequisites: CC 176 Occultism in Popular Culture

Suggested Complementary Courses:
CA 150 Introduction to Surrealism
CM 246/313 Occultism in Cinema

Languages: English only. Our English language requirements do apply to this course.

Delivery: Online only. A substantial amount of reading material will be made available to students through our online learning centre.

Due to its practical nature, this course cannot be audited.
Scholarships apply for this course.

Week 1	Comics as esoteric art: alchemy, initiation and the image
Week 2	Ideology, politics, culture and occulture in comics
Week 3	A history of occult comics Neil Gaiman’s Books of Magic, Doctor Strange, and other titles.
Week 4	Case Studies part 1: Alan Moore
Week 5	Case Studies part 2: Grant Morrison
Week 6	Research paper and/or creative project due Oral presentation of research paper Learning Journal due