A new exhibition exploring the secrets behind the history and creation of comics launches this week at the University of Dundee.
‘Comics Stripped!’, which explores the production process behind comics and how it has changed over time, features diverse exhibits including artwork and scripts for classic superheroes Batman and Superman, more modern examples such as Judge Dredd and Sandman, the British classic Rupert the Bear and the Dundee-created favourite Minnie the Minx.
All the artwork featured comes from the University of Dundee’s museum collections, which holds Scotland’s only public collection of original comics art.
Dundee has long been synonymous with comics, being the birthplace of the Beano, the Dandy, the Broons and Oor Wullie, while the University of Dundee is the only institution in the UK to offer a Master’s Degree in Comics and Graphic Novels. The new exhibition is one of several comics-themed activities taking place in the city throughout July as part of its Summer (Bash) Streets Festival.
The university’s curator of Museum Services Matthew Jarron commented: “Dundee is, of course, famous for producing comics and our students at the university have the opportunity of studying comics at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
“We were keen to explore the process of making comics, much of which has changed completely in recent years thanks to digital technology. As well as some amazing artwork, the exhibition also features fascinating examples of scripts, printing plates, corrections, colour proofs and more.”
The exhibition’s guest curator Zu Dominiak added: “One of the most incredible things about being an intern at Museum Services was interacting with original comics artwork. There are so many ways in which comics have been produced over the years, and I am very excited to share this insight with the public.”
Comics Stripped! runs until 30 September at the University of Dundee’s Tower Foyer Gallery, and is open from 9.30am-6pm on weekdays. Admission is free.
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