We found the comic strip to be relevant to society and culture before 1945 due to its interpretation of political regimes, patriotism or even simple daily life events. Being located in Brussels we found an immediate link to the subject as this city was crucial for transforming the comic strip in Europe for which George Remy (Hergé) is credited for. His creation, Tintin, made the comic strip accessible to all ages with simple, creative and witty illustrations that reflected upon political regimes and circumstances of the time. Further on we combined the concept of reflection on society and politics to American comic strips that had more of a patriotic approach and glorified the actions of America through characters such as Captain America, Superman, Batman and other comic characters from the Golden Age of the American comic book.

For the filming we went to the Museum of Comics, Rue des Sables in the cultural area of Brussels, and also used scenery from other parts of the city. Anyhow, the museum was crucial to our assignment as we took most shots inside the museum and its library. We also managed to interview a guide and archivist of the museum: Mikkel Orsted Sauzet. He gave us an insightful look on the impact of Hergé’s work. We wrote the script ourselves and looked up pictures that applied to the subject. Alex directed and edited the movie; Notis acted as the presenter, while we both were constantly brainstorming on how to fulfill the experience of the assignment.

To conclude, upon producing this assignment we understood the role of the comic much better than before as we got an insight on the political impact comic books receive and spread. The assignment forced us to look beyond a caricature and reflect upon the personality that brought it to life.

Bibliography:

Imagery:

Magritte: The Son of Man (1964)

New York Herald

R. F. Outcault and his Yellow Kid (1898)

Winsor McCay and his Little Nemo in Sumberland (1905)

The Dandy Comics,The Beano Comics,The Funnies

The Petit Vingtième and Hergé

Captain America (Timely Comics) (1941)

Superman (Action Comics) (1938),Batman (Detective Comics) (1939)

The Human Torch (Timely Comics) (1939)

Interview with Mikkel Orsted Sauzet

·         Tintin in the Land of the Soviets (1929–1930): two extracts

·         Tintin in America (1931–1932): one extract

·         King’s Ottockar Scepter (1938-1939)

·         The Shooting Star (1941–1942): one extract from the first edition of the album

Sources:

“Comics a Global History”, by Dan Mazur and Alexander Danner, published at Thames&Hudson

“Super Heroes: the Eternal Combat” ,ARTE channel

Comics Timeline :The history of the funnies in America by Samuel Ross and Jennie Woo