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Comics and Graphic Novels

A research guide designed to support, inform, and streamline research on the history, themes, and technique of comics. Users will find helpful clarifications to the many formats of comics, specific citation support, and relevant databases.

Comics as Primary Sources

This page highlights the following:

  • Unique comics and graphic novel materials in UCLA Library Special Collections
  • Tips of searching for available comics in Library Special Collections
  • Other academic libraries with extensive comics and graphic novel special collections - useful for advance researchers.

UCLA Special Collections

Searching the Collections

After an initial search in the catalog, you can filter by location using the locations filter tool in the side bar to the left of your results. Click on "Library Special Collections" to filter your comics studies related search by that location. As demonstrated in the images. If you are strictly searching for comics, limit your search by resource type, namely book.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When searching the UCLA Digital Library or the International Digital Ephemermra Project (IDEP) use "comic book" "graphic novel" or "comic strips." 


Comics Relevant Collections

Cover art of a South African comic titled "Mighty Man: The Human Law Enforcing Dynamo"Afri-Comics, South Africa, 1970s

Afri-Comics were published in 1975-1977 as part of a “five-year secret propaganda war” led by Eschel Rhoodie, Secretary of the Department of Information in the South African government from 1972 until 1977, to defend apartheid.

Other Comic Book Special Collections in the U.S.