Comics Art in Korea

John A. Lent (Author)

9781496854711

Hardback, published 31 January 2025

277 pages, 143 colour illustrations
27.9 x 21.6 x 2.3 cm, 0.92 kg

In Comics Art in Korea, comics scholar John A. Lent embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the vibrant world of Korean comics, cartoons, comic strips, graphic novels, webcomics, and animation. This meticulously researched work delves deep into the intricate history, cultural significance, and artistic innovations that have shaped the comics landscape in both North and South Korea. Drawing from extensive research, decades of interviews with comics creators and artists, and firsthand study, Lent offers readers a profound understanding of the societal, political, and cultural factors that have played a pivotal role in shaping Korean comics.

Korean comics have a storied tradition that stretches back decades. In this insightful book, Lent not only traces the origins of Korean comics but also places them within the broader context of Asian comics, highlighting the interconnectedness of comic art across the continent. From the early days of Korean comics to their contemporary evolution, Lent unravels the forces that have influenced and shaped the industry and sheds light on the ways in which comics have been used as a medium for social commentary, political expression, and cultural identity in Korea.

Comics Art in Korea is not merely a historical account but a celebration of the art form itself. Lavishly illustrated with examples of Korean comics, this book showcases the incredible talent and creativity of Korean comics artists. Lent's impeccable attention to detail and his ability to contextualize each work within its cultural and historical framework make this book an invaluable resource for both comics enthusiasts and scholars.

• Acknowledgments
• Historical Timeline of Korea—
  Including Comics Art
• Chapter One: Genesis and Dimensions
• Vignette I: Semblances of the Comics in Ancient Art
• Vignette II: Park Jae-dong: Die-Hard Advocate for the Koreanization of Comics Art
• Chapter Two: Political Cartoons
• Vignette III: Kim Song-hwan: Korea’
  s Dean of Political Cartooning
• Vignette IV: Gendry-Kim Keum suk: Graphic Novelist Extraordinaire
• Chapter Three: Manhwa
• Chapter Four: Animation
• Vignette V: Nelson Shin: "Godfather" of Korean Animation
• Chapter Five: Webtoons
• Chapter Six: North Korea
• Chapter Seven: Conclusion
• Appendix I: Interviews Conducted by John A. Lent
• Appendix II: South Korean Contemporary Comics Magazines
• Appendix III: Filmography of South Korean Animated Films, 1967–
  2023
• Compiled and edited by Suh HaeLim
• Appendix IV: List of Early Essay Cartoons (Webcomics), October–
  December 2004
• Compiled by Kwon Jae-woong
• Appendix V: Pertinent Information from the KOCCA Report
• Index