Comic Studies
Secondary Concentration
Explore comics, graphic novels, manga, and more—at the crossroads of art, culture and creativity.
| Type | Credits | Duration | Format | School and Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary Concentration, BFA/BDes | 15 (5 courses) | 1-2 years (completed alongside primary degree) | In-person, non-studio | School of Critical and Creative Studies (SCCS) |
AUArts' Comic Studies concentration immerses you deep in the history and innovation of comics—from golden-age superheroes to the most experimental graphic novels. Develop your skills in storytelling, drawing, scripting and sequential art. Whether you’re creating webcomics, zines or printed anthologies, you’ll learn to bring words and pictures together in ways that move, challenge and immerse readers.
Program Overview
Comics Studies at AUArts explores the power of sequential images and visual storytelling. The program unites the historical, theoretical and creative practices of the genre, letting you analyze comics and graphic novels from different eras and regions to develop your own unique storytelling voice.
This interdisciplinary concentration examines how comics have shaped—and are shaped by—culture, technology and media. You'll trace the form’s evolution from early newspaper strips to graphic novels, manga and experimental comics, discovering its impact across diverse fields.
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary approach: Connect comics with animation, film, literature, media arts and design.
- Global perspective: Explore comics traditions from around the world.
- Critical & creative: Analyze, discuss and create comics—balancing theory with hands-on practice.
- Cultural impact: Examine comics’ role in popular culture, politics and personal storytelling.
- Small classes & big help: Workshop your writing and illustration with support from experienced faculty.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Comic Studies Concentration will:
- Understand the history, theory and practice of comics and graphic narrative in diverse cultural contexts.
- Analyze and critique comics through multiple critical frameworks.
- Develop and refine skills in narrative structure, image-text relationships and sequential storytelling.
- Experiment with both traditional and digital comic formats.
- Apply interdisciplinary thinking to storytelling in comics, animation, design and beyond.
Faculty
Courses are taught by experienced scholars, writers and practicing artists. Faculty expertise includes comics studies, creative writing, popular culture and visual narrative. Our technicians support work across traditional and digital media, helping you develop professional-level projects.
Alumni
AUArts grads and students have gone on to publish comics and graphic novels, work in animation and media, while contributing to cultural research and curation.
Studio Facilities
Comic Studies students have access to:
- Access to AUArts printmaking, drawing and digital labs
- Digital resources
- Luke Lindoe library's collection of graphic novels, manga and comics theory
Career Paths
AUArts grads and students are shaping the world of comics, zines, graphic novels and visual storytelling—bringing sequential art into publishing, education, media and beyond.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Comic Artist or Cartoonist
- Graphic Novelist or Writer
- Illustrator or Visual Storyteller
- Storyboard Artist (film, animation, advertising)
- Publisher or Editor (comics, graphic novels, media)
- Journalist or Educator specializing in comics
- Pop culture critic, curator or researcher
Culture & Community
Comic Book Studies is a community of dedicated creators, readers and visual narrators.
Beyond the classroom
- Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities for internships and job placements with local studios, festivals or non-profits.
- Community & Events: Join student-run clubs, discord chats or attend on-campus events, visiting artist lectures and workshops.
- Awards & Scholarships: Receive financial support through scholarships, awards, paid call-for-submissions and funding for creative projects.
- Academic Resources: One-on-one faculty mentorship and access to technical support. Plus, full access to AUArts' Writing Centre, Luke Lindoe Library and Learning Commons.
About the Comic Studies concentration
The Comic Studies Concentration is a flexible, minor-style option available to all AUArts undergraduates. Build your expertise in sequential narrative, visual storytelling and rich traditions of comic and graphic novels—while developing the critical and creative skills to thrive in today’s media landscape.