Full Description
For military cartoonists the absurdity of war inspires a laugh-or-cry response and provides an endless source of un-funny amusement. Cartoons by hundreds of artists-at-arms from more than a dozen countries and spanning two centuries are included in this study--the first to consider such a broad range of military comics. War and military life are examined through the inside jokes of the men and women who served. The author analyzes themes of culture, hierarchy, enemies and allies, geography, sexuality, combat, and civilian relations and describes how comics function within a community. A number of artists included were known for their work with Disney, Marvel Comics, the New Yorker and Madison Avenue but many lesser known artists are recognized.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface: Recon
Introduction: Vocabularies of the Visual-Verbal
1. GI Joking: Military Humor and Graphic Narratives
2. Service Before Self: Military Life
3. Kiss My Brass: Military Hierarchy
4. Frenemies: Friends and Foes
5. Drawn Behind the Lines: Military Geography
6. Sex(es) in Battle: Gender and Sexuality
7. Drawing Fire: Combat and Casualties
8. Sillyvillians: Civil-Military Interactions
Conclusion: SITREP—The Military's Rhetorical Vision
Appendix: Comicography
Notes
Bibliography
Index
