Carlson Conversations Lecture Series
After a hiatus for the 2025 Fall semester due to the renovations to the Carlson Library Main Event Space, the Carlson Conversations Lecture Series returns for Spring 2026 with two lectures
War and the American Comic Book: Endorsement, Criticism, and Escape
Moderated by Gerald natal
January 28, 2026 at 2:30 pm
A panel of UToledo faculty will address the historical and cultural impact of comic books beginning with WWII and covering the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Cold War, up to more recent comics in the upcoming event “War and the American Comic Book: Endorsement, Criticism, and Escape.” Panelists will discuss such topics as the influence of Jewish publishers and creators, the depiction of women in wartime comics, as well as propaganda, censorship, racism, and the reflection of American viewpoints concerning the various conflicts. Panelists Dr. Daniel Compora, Professor of English, Dr. Matt Yockey, Professor of Film, Kristen Geaman, Senior Lecturer Department of History, and Dr. Barry Jackisch, Associate Professor of History will bring their unique perspectives. The event will be moderated by Gerald Natal, Associate Professor with the University Libraries.
It may be difficult to imagine the humble comic book as having any serious cultural impact on world events; yet, during WWII comics were considered the “major contemporary fictional response to the war.” By 1943, 25 million comic books were being bought every month. Comics exhibited certain characteristics in reaction to the war and subsequent military conflicts, displaying shifts in patriotism, masculine values, and notions of justice.
Companion to Your Manga Your Way exhibit
Date TBD