Super Stories: A Brief History of Comics

When:

Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Event is ongoing: Until Saturday, October 20, 2007

Where: Hill Memorial Library

Cost: Not available

Age limit: All ages

Description: LSU Libraries’ Special Collections presents “Super Stories: A Brief History of Comics,” an exhibition featuring selections from the William Morton Bowlus Comic Book Collection. The exhibition runs from June 25 through October 20, 2007 at Hill Memorial Library.

As with all forms of literary and artistic expression, comic books both reflect and influence, to a degree, the culture out of which they are created. In times of war a corresponding surge in “patriotic” characters can be mapped. Real-world attitudes toward minority groups and women – and changes in those attitudes – play themselves out on the vivid pages of comics.

Comics tackle contemporary issues and classic tales, fine-tuning them for a predominantly young, male consumer audience. Storylines are fleshed out in a universe peopled with plots and characters ranging from the stereotypical to the fantastic: sex and violence play starring roles. Within clearly demarcated frames contradictions blur the lines between good and evil, male and female.

Many of the materials on display reflect comics produced from 1960 to 1985, with an emphasis on superhero titles. The collection is supplemented by loaned materials published in more recent years. Along with a history of the industry, topics of analysis include censorship, race, gender, and politics. “Super Stories” demonstrates that comic books are not merely instruments of entertainment, but a rich resource for the serious student of popular culture.

The William Morton Bowlus Collection of Comic Books includes more than 7,000 comic books, many from the "Silver Age" (late 1950s and 1960s), and related materials. Bowlus, an LSU alumnus, began collecting comics in grade school and continued until his untimely death in his late 20s, due to Marfan Syndrome. The collection was donated to the LSU Libraries by his mother, Mrs. Martha Bowlus, to honor his memory and preserve a collection he loved. The Bowlus Collection offers a wealth of graphic art and storytelling from a formative period in American cultural history.

The library is open 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, and 9 to 1 on Saturdays. When classes are in session the library is open Tuesday evenings till 8 p.m. Visit the Special Collections website at http://www.lib.lsu.edu/special/ for more information.

Event posted May 10, 2007
Last updated May 10, 2007