Stockholm University (Stockholm, Sweden)
September 3-5

Future in Comics

“This conference aims to investigate ways in which comics explore the idea of ‘future.’ Its goal is to gather scholars from the field of comic studies and related fields, such as linguistics, philosophy, literary studies, cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, film studies as well as others that can discover a conceptual connection to the rigorous study of comics. Given our broad and yet specific purpose, we aim to discuss work on comics originating from all major traditions: French bande desineé, American and British comics, Italian fumetti, Japanese manga, and so on. In pursuing this cross-cultural approach, we wish to discuss not only how different conceptions of the future in comics can be compared and analysed, but also how comics offer unorthodox modes of representation that allow for creative, intellectual freedom that may be different from literature and cinema. In particular, we are interested in, but not limited to, discussing these themes:

• The cross-roads between utopia and dystopia (e.g. Gundam‘s Universal Century, Transmetropolitan‘s representation of life in “the city”, Harlock‘s 30th century, the world of Rogue Trooper);

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Dallas, Texas – June 6-7, 2015

Third Annual Fandom and Neomedia Studies Conference

“We are pleased to announce a CFP for submissions to the Third Annual Fandom and Neomedia Studies (FANS) Conference in Dallas, TX, on 6 and 7 June 2015.

Fandom for us includes all aspects of being a fan, ranging from being a passive audience member to producing one’s own parafictive or interfictive creations. Neomedia includes both new media as it is customarily defined as well as new ways of using and conceptualizing traditional media.

Ours is an interdisciplinary group, including historians, psychologists, geologists, writers, and independent scholars. We welcome contributions from all disciplines and from all levels of academic achievement. Submissions are welcome from professors, students, and independent researchers. Topics may come from anime, manga, science fiction, television series, movies, radio, performing arts, or any other popular culture phenomenon and their respective fandom groups.” (more…)

Northeast Modern Language Association, 46th Annual Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada – April 30 – May 3

Comedy and Comics – Parody, Satire, and Humor in Superhero Narratives

Stan Lee bristles at calling them “comic books,” lest readers think they are only “funny books.” This panel identifies how humor operates in works centered around superheroes—as parody, satire, and comedy. Potential topics include comedic twists on the superhero archetype; “campy” TV and film adaptations of “serious” characters; webcomics and humorous children’s books; teaching satire through comics; and cross-cultural appropriation of the superhero motif.

This topic can include comedic, satiric, or parodic portrayals of superheroes as portrayed in manga, anime, Super Sentai, and more, whether Tiger and Bunny, Japanese adaptations of United States comics characters (Marvel Comics), or wackier fare such as Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo.

Abstract submission deadline (300 words) – September 30
Session chair: Derek McGrath (Stony Brook University)