Batman and comics in academia : an exhibition highlighting the importance of graphic novels as a tool in literacy

Abstract

The University of Malta Library in collaboration with Graphic Novels Library Malta in celebration of 75 years of Batman organised an exhibition titled: Batman and Comics in Academia: An exhibition highlighting the importance of graphic novels as a tool in literacy. The exhibition was held at the University of Malta Library’s exhibition area. The exhibition started from Monday 17th November till Wednesday 3rd December. It consisted of a collection of Batman related graphic novels and comics that have shaped the character we know today. Batman first appeared in issue No. 27 of Detective Comics in May 1939. He was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger and originally named "the Bat-Man". He is also referred to as "the Caped Crusader", "the Dark Knight", and "the World's Greatest Detective". Seventy-five (75) years have passed and the character’s influence is stronger than ever having crossed film, television and video-games. Comics and graphic novels are researched in various areas of studies such as arts, education, communication, translation, and philosophy. Further research is being carried out in these fields, which help to outline the benefits of reading comics and the impact they have on society in general. A number of publications owned by the University Library and dissertations from this University are on a display, each illustrating different areas of the comic book medium from an academic perspective.