Welcome to the Comics Syllabus podcast, where we read widely and we dig deep. Your host Paul, a literacy researcher and English teacher, introduces curious readers to a range of current and classic comics, and then engages in closer discussion and analysis of particular comics works.

[audio: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/420643936-twoplai-18-03-26-the-syllabus-on-vinland-saga-deathstroke-slots-and-masculinities.mp3]

Or download the podcast episode here.

On this episode (at 0:00 ), Paul starts with some shout outs and mentions.

Then (at 12:40 ), the next two weeks’ Syllabus. Join us to read:

“The Syllabus” for 3/26/2018: Critical Dystopias

Manga Monday:

“Vinland Saga” by Makoto Yukimura (Kodansha) and “Planetes” by Yukimura (Dark Horse)

Alt/Trade Tuesday:

“Monstress” by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda (Image)

World/Web Wednesday:

Titan Graphic Novels: “Death of Stalin,” “Beautiful Death,” “Doctor Radar,” “Lone Sloane,” “Normandy Gold,” “Dan Dare,” “Fighting American.”

Throwback Thursday:

“The Fourth World Omnibus” by Jack Kirby (DC)

Family Friday:

“Islandborn” by Junot Diaz (Dial)

“The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin America” by Jaime Hernandez (TOON)

Superhero Saturday:

Marvel Catch Up. Your recommendations?

Sequential & Small Press Sunday:

“Glow” by Ray Chou and Vincenzo Ferriero with art by Anny Maulina and Dia Jia: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1039309513/glow-1-2

Short Box from Comics and Cola: shortbox.bigcartel.com (pictured below)

Then (at 32:51 ) Paul is inspired by social movements and current trends to think about hard questions that artistic and literary texts can pose about the prospects of masculinities. His thoughts roam over “Why Art?” by Eleanor Davis, “Deathstroke” by Priest and artists (DC), “New Super-Man” by Gene Luen Yang and artists (DC), “Brazen” by Penelope Bagieu (First Second), “Slots” by Dan Panosian (Image), “Grass Kings” by Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins (Boom), “Atlas and Axis” by Pau (Titan), “Vinland Saga” by Makoto Yukimura (Kodansha), and “The Super Life of Ben Braver” by Marcus Emerson (Roaring Brook Press).

From “Why Art?” by Eleanor Davis (Fantagraphics):

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Thanks for listening!