FR|ENEMY MINE – Online Comic Symposium

Online Comic Symposium
FR|ENEMY MINE – Friendship and enmity in comics

Definitions of friendship and enmity and the associated concepts of role models are not static phenomena. Comics in particular not only offer diverse perspectives on contemporary and historical concepts and metaphors of friendship, but also create (sometimes futuristic or fantastic) visions of friendship that explore both cross-species and humane constellations. Friendship and enmity do not necessarily need a counterpart here – one’s own body can also become an enemy if it does not correspond to stereotypical ideals of beauty. Comics as well as illustrated picture books for children and young people can set important (visual) accents in the direction of diversity and body positivity .

The aim of the international conference is to critically reflect on which (media-specific) narrative, aesthetic and/or pedagogical potentials and functions comics have in order to de/construct unusual constellations of friendship and enmity as well as networks – and to discuss potential effects of this . The scientific contributions are flanked by other formats such as artist talks, the Comics Exchange and a panel on the importance of friendship and networks in the comics community.