Comic Books as Art

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Questions and Answers

What are the five things that devalued comics according to Thiery Groensteen?

Hybrid Form, Child-Centric, Seen as Caricature, Excluded from Art Movements, Visual Overload

What did Fredric Wertham believe about comic strips?

Comic strips often explored relevant social themes and contemporary issues appropriate for mature audiences.

What criticism did Wertham have regarding comic books?

Comic books were designed for children but contained harmful content such as exaggerated violence and sensationalism.

What does Pierre Bourdieu's study suggest about taste?

Taste is socially produced. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Pop Art in relation to high and low culture?

Pop Art blurs the line between high culture and low culture, making art more accessible. Signup and view all the answers

How does Thomas Carlyle link science and spirituality?

Carlyle believes that scientific events often have spiritual or divine meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What is Carlyle's 'Great Man Theory'?

History is shaped by influential individuals. Signup and view all the answers

The concept of the Hero as ______ refers to an individual who is seen as divinely inspired.

Prophet Signup and view all the answers

Can you name one of the oldest forms of heroism according to Carlyle?

The Hero as Divinity Signup and view all the answers

What are the five things that devalued comics according to Thiery Groensteen?

Hybrid form, child-centric view, seen as caricature, excluded from art movements, visual overload. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Fredric Wertham and what was his view on comic books?

Fredric Wertham was a psychologist who believed comic books contained harmful content for children, such as exaggerated violence. Signup and view all the answers

Pierre Bourdieu believed that taste is socially produced.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is Pop Art known for in relation to high and low art?

Pop Art blurs the line between high culture and low culture, making art more accessible. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the six types of heroes mentioned by Carlyle?

The Hero as Explorer Signup and view all the answers

What is supernaturalism as defined in Thomas Carlyle's readings?

Supernaturalism is the belief that science events have spiritual or divine meanings. Signup and view all the answers

Carlyle's 'Great Man Theory' suggests that history is shaped by __________.

influential individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does Carlyle emphasize about the origins and nature of the universe?

Carlyle emphasizes that the true origins of the universe are beyond human knowledge and scientific reach. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Comic Books as Art

Stan Lee believed that comics should be treated as an art form, similar to movies.
Thiery Groensteen identified five factors that devalued comics:
- Hybrid Form: Blending text and images made comics seem less "pure."
- Child-Centric: Comics were often seen as solely for children, limiting their perceived value.
- Caricature, Not Art: Comics were dismissed as exaggerated and humorous, undermining their artistic merit.
- Excluded from Art Movements: Comics didn't participate in major 20th-century art movements, lacking traditional "high art" status.
- Visual Overload: The dense, small images could feel chaotic, making it hard to focus on individual artwork.
Fredric Wertham distinguished between comic strips and comic books:
- Comic Strips: He saw these as exploring relevant social themes, suitable for mature audiences.
- Comic Books: Wertham argued that comic books, designed for children, contained harmful content like violence and sensationalism.
Pierre Bourdieu connected taste in art to social class and education.
- Upper Class: They used art to maintain their status, with specific tastes tied to their cultural practices.
- Lower Class: Art was less prestigious, considered "low art" (e.g., comics).
Pop Art blurred the lines between high and low culture, celebrating and critiquing consumerism.
The perception of comics is changing.
- Past: Comics were marginalized, seen as "low art."
- Present: Comics are increasingly recognized as a legitimate art form with cultural value.
- Shift: Focus is shifting from "true art" to the sociological value of comics.

Supernaturalism

Supernaturalism combines scientific events with spiritual or divine meanings.
It believes that scientific events, like lightning, also have a spiritual or divine significance.
This merges scientific and spiritual explanations, creating an evolving understanding.
It helps people connect with something sacred or holy in a meaningful way.
The universe's origins and true nature are beyond human knowledge and scientific reach.

Carlyle's "On Heroes"

Explores the etymology and cultural evolution of the "hero" concept.
The term traces back to the Greek demi-god (and goddess Hera).
In Latin, "hero" means "to safeguard."
Carlyle's "Great Man Theory": History is shaped by influential individuals.
He defined six types of heroes.
Hero as Divinity: The oldest form of heroism.
- Odin, a god associated with healing, death, war, wisdom, and thought.
- Associated with runes, symbols, and magic.
Hero as Prophet: This figure is divinely inspired and speaks with the voice of a god, revealing what humanity should do.
Hero as Poet: This hero focuses on the moral implications of the "sacred mystery" of life and death.

Week 1: Comics and Art

Stan Lee's take on comics: Lee argues that comics should be considered an art form, just like movies, comparing them to another artistic medium.
Thierry Groensteen's Critique of Comics: Groensteen identifies five factors that contribute to the devaluation of comics as an art form:
- Hybrid Form: The combination of text and images is perceived as a less "pure" art form.
- Child-Centric: Comics are often seen as children's entertainment, limiting their perceived value.
- Caricature, Not Art: Comics are frequently viewed as exaggerated, humorous art, rather than serious and skillful work.
- Exclusion from Art Movements: Comics haven't been part of major 20th-century art movements, hindering their "high art" status.
- Visual Overload: The density of images in comics can create a sense of chaos, making it challenging for viewers to focus.
Fredric Wertham's Views on Comic Strips and Comic Books: Wertham believed that comic strips, found in newspapers, often explored social themes and contemporary issues, making them suitable for mature audiences due to their engagement with real-world topics. However, he argued that comic books, intended for children, contained harmful content like exaggerated violence, crime, and sensationalism, potentially negatively impacting young readers.
Pierre Bourdieu's Analysis of Taste and Class: Bourdieu, a French sociologist, studied the relationship between aesthetics, class, and power. He proposed that taste is socially constructed through cultural practices and education levels.
- High Art and Low Art: He saw high art (Opera) as associated with prestige and the upper class, while low art (comics) held less prestige and was associated with the lower class.
Pop Art's Influence: Pop Art blurs the line between high culture (traditional fine art) and low culture (popular imagery), making art more accessible. Pop art both celebrates and critiques consumerism by focusing on mass-produced products and media.
Shifting Perceptions of Comics: The perception of comics is evolving. Historically, comics were often dismissed as "low art." Now, comics are increasingly recognized as a legitimate art form with cultural value and depth. The focus is shifting towards understanding their sociological value - how they reflect, influence, and contribute to society.

Week 2: Supernaturalism and Heroes

Supernaturalism: The belief that scientific events have spiritual or divine meanings. For example, seeing lightning as a sign of Zeus's power rather than just an electric charge. It blends scientific and spiritual explanations, creating an ever-evolving understanding that connects people to something sacred.
Limitations of Human Knowledge: Humans cannot fully understand the origins and nature of the universe due to its vastness and complexity. The "Maker" (Creator) has not revealed the complete plan, leaving much unknown.
Hero Etymology: The word "hero" originates from Greek mythology, referring to a demigod. It was also associated with the goddess Hera and the Latin term for "safeguard."
Carlyle's "Great Man Theory": Carlyle believed that history is shaped by influential individuals, known as "heroes."
Carlyle's Six Types of Heroes:
- The Hero as Divinity: This is the oldest form of heroism. Odin is an example, associated with healing, death, war, wisdom, and runes.
- The Hero as Prophet: A figure divinely inspired to guide humanity, focusing on the moral side of the sacred mystery.
- The Hero as Poet: An individual who uses language to express spiritual truths and inspire others.
- The Hero as Priest: Someone who serves as a mediator between the divine and humanity, connecting people to the spiritual realm.
- The Hero as King: A leader who embodies justice and order, guiding and protecting society.
- The Hero as Man of Letters: An individual who uses writing and intellectual pursuits to influence society and promote social change.

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Description

Explore the artistic value of comic books through the perspectives of notable figures like Stan Lee and Fredric Wertham. This quiz delves into the factors that have historically devalued comics as an art form and examines their unique characteristics. Test your knowledge on how comics intersect with cultural perceptions of art.