This session explores comics and comics studies generally, welcoming strong paper proposals demonstrating thoughtful, nuanced scholarship in the field. Papers that engage with the 2026 PAMLA conference theme of “Our Ruling Classes: Culture, Power, Conflict” are of particular interest, including papers focusing on how comics represent and grapple with hierarchies, the distribution of power, heroism, and collective action against leadership structures. We hope to consider these themes broadly, including unexpected power dynamics, orientations of justice, and conflicts that range from the world-ending to the everyday.

The panel ensures that the significantly growing field of graphic novels and comics studies continues to be represented and celebrated at the PAMLA conference.

Submit proposals here: https://pamla.ballastacademic.com/Home/S/19918

Questions about this panel can be directed to Rebecca Geleyn (rgeleyn@mtroyal.ca).