Beowulf in Comic Books and Graphic Novels

<p> The legendary story of <I>Beowulf</I> comes to us in only one medieval manuscript with no illustrations. Modern comic book and graphic novel artists have created visual interpretations of <I>Beowulf</I> for decades both illustrating and altering the classic story to pull out new themes. </p><p> This book examines the growing canon of <I>Beowulf</I> comic books and graphic novels since the 1940s and shows the remarkable emergence of new traditions--from re-envisioning the medieval look to creating new plotlines and even to transforming his identity. While placing <I>Beowulf</I> in a fantastical medieval setting a techno-dystopia of the future or modern-day America artists have appropriated the tale to comment on social issues such as war environmental issues masculinity and consumerism. Whether <I>Beowulf</I> is fighting new monsters or allying with popular comic book superheroes these artists are creating a new canon of illustration that redefines <I>Beowulf</I>'s place in our culture.</p>