Week 4: Paratexts and fan mail

Summary

This week we will explore the topic of the paratext and examine more closely paratexts in comics.

define key terms, such as paratext, epitext, and peritext.
identify examples of comic book paratexts.
describe and illustrate the concept of paratext in comics with specific examples.

Macksey, R. (1997). Foreward (J. E. Lewin, Trans.). In G. Genette, Paratexts: Thresholds of interpretation (J. E. Lewin, Trans.) (pp. xi-xxii). Cambridge: Cambridge UP. (Original work published 1987)
Genette, G. (1997). Introduction. Paratexts: Thresholds of interpretation (J. E. Lewin, Trans.). Cambridge: Cambridge UP. (Original work published 1987)
Stein, D. (2013). Superhero comics and the authorizing functions of the comic book paratext. In D. Stein & J.-N. Thon (Eds.), From comic strips to graphic novels: Contributions to the theory and history of graphic narrative (pp. 155-189). Berlin: De Gruyter.
Barker, M. (2017). Speaking of ‘paratexts’: A theoretical revisitation. Journal of Fandom Studies, 5(3), 235-249. Retrieved from https://proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cms&AN=128430225&site=ehost-live&scope=site

We will spend time in class individually looking for interesting examples of comic book paratexts. Try to find two or three distinct examples.

Consider the paratexts as evidence of:

the commercial and cultural context of the comic books (e.g., advertisements);
the creation and production of comic books (e.g., editorial and promotional materials);
reader engagement with comic books (e.g., fan club advertisements, fan mail).

Keep notes about your paratext regarding where it came from (title, issue, date) and why it is significant.

After working individual, we will get together in small groups to share our findings, and then groups will report back to the full class.