New Books in Literary Studies James Scorer, "Latin American Comics in the Twenty-First Century: Transgressing the Frame" (U Texas Press, 2024)
Nov 4, 2025
James Scorer, a Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Manchester and author of Latin American Comics in the Twenty-First Century, dives into the vibrant world of Latin American comics. He explores the evolution of this unique art form across various countries, highlighting its role in social and political discourse. Scorer discusses the tension between local and transnational influences, the significance of zine culture, and how comics can serve as powerful tools for memory and activism. His insights into comics and race add another layer to this fascinating conversation.
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Origins Of A Transnational Comics Field
- James Scorer discovered Latin American comics by linking past academic work on urban imaginaries and Tintin to graphic biographies and collective projects.
- A transnational comics field emerged after 2005, energized by blogs, festivals, and digital networks that connect creators across borders.
Latin America As A Networked Category
- 'Latin America' is an unstable category that can both force solidarity and erase important differences.
- Scorer frames the book as mapping trends cutting across national contexts rather than providing an encyclopedic account.
Argentine Magazines Mixed Local And Transnational
- Argentina produced magazines that mixed national tradition with transnational themes, like Clitoris, which foregrounded feminist comics.
- Clitoris countered male-centric narratives in magazines such as Fierro and showcased overlooked women creators.
