Call for Papers (January-June 2024)

Posted on 2021-07-26

REVISTA DE ESTUDIOS COLOMBIANOS N° 63 - (January-June 2024)

Special Issue: “Traces of Colombian Comics: One Hundred Years of Identity”

Co-editors:

  • Felipe Gómez, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Pablo Guerra, scriptwriter, editor, and independent researcher
  • Laura Valentina Álvarez Peña, artista visual y literata, investigadora independiente

Submission Deadline: February 29, 2024

The year 1924 marks a crucial moment in the history of Colombian comics with the publication of "Mojicón" by Adolfo Samper, recognized as the first Colombian comic (Rabanal 2001; Rincón 2000; Guerra 2014). As we approach the centenary of this milestone and in anticipation of key events and festivities, we are pleased to announce this special issue of the JOURNAL OF COLOMBIAN STUDIES, dedicated to commemorating the history and multitude of artists who have shaped the landscape of Colombian comics over the past century.

Scope of the Special Issue: The realm of Colombian comics, spanning from corporate and independent publishers to groups of artists, fans, and industry actors, has been primarily associated with the capital and major cities. We recognize that, for the most part, the achievements in this field have arisen from individual impulses and personal sacrifices of creators, largely without the support of the state or academia, which have historically ignored and stigmatized comic artists and their work. This special issue aims to recognize and value these individual efforts that have been fundamental to building and sustaining the tradition of comics in Colombia. While we find it crucial to highlight that the notion of a conventional mainstream similar or equivalent to large editorial centers does not accurately reflect the reality of the Colombian comic scene, this special issue also seeks to broaden the visibility and critical understanding of Colombian comics, both historical and contemporary.

We invite contributions that explore the rich history of Colombian comics in major cities, diverse regions, and even beyond national borders, emphasizing the fundamental role of independent impulses and personal sacrifices in constructing this tradition. Likewise, we want to recognize and highlight the active role of a growing and diverse number of individuals in the Colombian comic scene as creators, characters, and editorial leaders. This is an opportunity to initiate conversations and promote the study of essential themes in Colombian graphic narratives, such as racial or ethnic representation, gender inequalities, or exile.

In celebrating the centenary, we understand this commemoration as an opportunity to build a community for the future and gain influence and recognition regarding the unique characteristics and voices that characterize Colombian comics. Rather than simply looking back, we seek to use the commemoration to reconstruct the past and build a community in different terms. We invite contributions that explore and promote this perspective, opening space for diversity, innovation, and vitality that defines the Colombian comic scene.

Discussion Topics:

  • Comics and Colombian history
  • Colombian comics and (re)conciliation
  • Comics journalism and social action in Colombia
  • Problematic aspects of the history of Colombian comics
  • Reimaginations of race, ethnicity, sex, and gender in comics
  • Utopian and dystopian futures in Colombian comics

Submission Guidelines: Contributions can be in Spanish or English and can take the form of:

  • "Academic articles (up to 8000 words) or drawn essays (up to 8 pages letter size).

  • Interviews with scriptwriters and illustrators (up to 4000 words) or drawn interviews (up to 4 pages letter size).

  • Notes on individual, social, or community reading experiences, or profiles of the Colombian comic industry, its creators, and its audience (up to 2000 words).

  • Reviews of recent comic publications (up to 1000 words).     

All contributions must be received by February 29, 2024 (for drawn essays and interviews  authors can submit a complete draft, not including the final artwork). For editorial guidelines and essay submission, please refer here.

We look forward to a wide range of contributions that shed light on the multifaceted dimensions of Colombian comics over the past century.

For inquiries about this special number, you can write to Felipe Gómez, Carnegie Mellon University.