This book analyses graphic novels which document social crises. It demonstrates that artists documentary use of this medium is a form of social realism, inextricably bound up with politics and ideology. Theoretical and visual approaches are employed throughout, introducing the principal themes of the graphic novels under scrutiny: political realism, visual documentary, traumatic childhood, ethnic discrimination, state oppression, and military occupation. The key works examined are Keiji Nakazawas Barefoot Gen, Joe Saccos Palestine, Marjane Satrapis Persepolis, W.G. Sebalds Emigrants and Art Spiegelmans Maus. Innovative techniques, radical methods of depiction, sequence and text organisation are analysed throughout to explain how the authors use visual realism to represent these social crises. The book is well illustrated as a visual support for its exploration of this emerging and vital documentary medium.

The Author: Jeff Adams is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. As well as researching graphic novels, he has also published work on contemporary art in education and the professional development of artist teachers.

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