Stephen Harrick

Comic Book Culture and Illinois: A Living History

Illinois has consistently served as a touchstone for the history of comic strips and books: creators have lived here, publishers have set up shop here, and important events have occurred here. While Chicagoland has inspired memorable characters (Dick Tracy, Blondie, and Brenda Starr), downstate has made lasting contributions to the culture as well (Popeye, Black Panther, and The Phantom).

This presentation traces the many ways that Illinois and comics have formed a symbiotic relationship: politics, labor, law and order, education, architecture, and identity. Through contextualizing how comics culture has responded to these aspects of Illinois history, this program will demonstrate a complex unity between the two. From Hollywood to Broadway, the Mafia to Congress, and a future King of England, Illinois has shaped an entire industry. This, in turn, has nurtured a rich and vibrant comics community, thereby reinforcing the important relationship between Illinois history and comics culture. 

Audience Recommendations

In addition to appealing to teenagers and adults, this presentation may be of particular interest to art councils, comic book clubs, and those interested in anime.

Program Logistics

This 60-minute program requires the host to provide a projector, an HDMI cord, a screen, and a podium. A table with a chair (for a book display, clipboard, and business cards) are recommended. Audio and video recording are not permitted--still photographs are encouraged. After the question-and-answer section of the program has concluded, Stephen Harrick will offer free comic books to attendees who would like one.