CfP: Lines of Resistance: Graphic Narratives and Activism

A Special Issue of the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics

Edited by:

Can Yalcinkaya, Macquarie University

Justine Lloyd, Macquarie University 

“The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible” -- Toni Cade Bambara.

As governments across the globe continue to undermine principles of social equality, exercise violent/nationalistic border policies, and hinder climate justice in the name of financial and political power, how can comics artists utilise the power of their visual communication skills to bring about social change for the common good? From stopping mass extinction, adopting clean, sustainable energy options, countering racism, homophobia and sexism, to promoting a more just distribution of wealth, what is the tactical role of graphic storytelling, and what exactly is the ongoing intervention to be made by the material culture of cartooning, zines, comics and graphic novels?

For this special issue, we invite contributions that explore the role of graphic narratives in cutting through political inertia and visualising utopian alternatives. We wish to build on the histories of art and activism to better understand the role of both professional artists and amateur/everyday practitioners in circulating new framings for action.

We are calling for submissions from artists, activists and academics on the role of graphic storytelling in activist movements. Potential contributors are welcome to consider the past, present and the future of graphic activism across the globe. Case studies from international contexts are encouraged. Submissions in the form of graphic essays are also welcome.

The themes could include but are not limited to:

• Comics Journalism and Activism
• Comics and Climate Change
• Anti-racist comics
• Comics and refugee narratives
• Comics and gender equality
• Mainstream superhero comics and progressive politics
• Graphic memoirs and the political/personal
• The activist potential of digital and webcomics
• Political comics anthologies and their community building potential
• Graphic scholarship and the intersection of art, academia and activism

Full articles will adhere to the Submission Guidelines for the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics https://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?show=instructions&journalCode=rcom20

Timeline for submissions:

• Abstracts (approximately 300 words, including proposed article title) of proposed articles and author bios (approx. 150 words, including proposed article title, full author name and institutional affiliation) should be submitted to the editors via the Dropbox link below by no later than 28 February 2022.

Note: Please submit your abstract and bio in two separate word files, saved in the following format:

1. Abstract: AUTHORLASTNAME_ARTICLETITLE_ABSTRACT.doc
2. Bio: AUTHORLASTNAME_ARTICLETITLE_BIO.doc

Dropbox file request link: https://www.dropbox.com/request/DErDXkzewO80bQIlyAzz

• The special issue editors will send a response to abstracts (and inviting selected authors to proceed to full paper submission) by 15 March 2022.
• Full papers due to submitted for peer review by 15 July, 2022
• Final submission following review and revisions by 31 October 2022
• Image permissions due by 15 December, 2022
• Online Publication date: 2023