Comic Book and Graphic Novel collection, 1938-2012

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Summary

Abstract:
Assortment of domestic and international comics and graphic novels acquired by the Rubenstein Library between 1980 and 2023. A large portion of the collection was originally a gift from Alicia Korenman; several other titles were removed from other Rubenstein Library collections, including the Dorothy Allison Papers and the Sarah Dyer Zine Collection. Items in boxes 26-31 were a gift of John Canfield in 2012. Items in boxes 33-36 are a collection of a Latino comics. Over 350 titles of domestic and international comic books and graphic novels, as well as some related items, from publishers including DC/Vertigo, Abstract Studio, Oni Press, Marvel, Dark Horse, Fantagraphics, and many more.
Extent:
25.5 Linear Feet
Language:
Materials in English and Spanish.
Collection ID:
RL.00247

Background

Scope and content:

Over 350 titles of domestic and international comics and graphic novels, as well as some related items, from publishers including DC/Vertigo, Abstract Studio, Oni Press, Marvel, Fantagraphics, and many more. There is a wide range of content present in the collection, from early superhero comics, to girl-power comics from the 1970s, to Dr. Horrible , published in 2009. Also present are some lesbian and gay comics, such as Gay Comix .

Keyword searching is the most efficient way to find a specific title in the collection, because the materials have not been arranged beyond being grouped by title. Most titles are listed along with the publisher, the format, the years of publication represented in the collection, and the specific issues held in the collection. Includes notes about particular titles, such as their country of publication. Also highlighted are the small amount of titles, dated 1950s-1980s, which feature African or African American characters.

Biographical / historical:

Assortment of domestic and international comics and graphic novels acquired by the Rubenstein Library between 1980 and 2023. A large portion of the collection was originally a gift from Alicia Korenman; several other titles were removed from other Special Collections collections, including the Dorothy Allison Papers and the Sarah Dyer Zine Collection. Also includes titles from Mexico, Denmark, France, Italy, Belgium, and Argentina. Items in boxes 26-31 were a gift of John Canfield in 2012. Items in boxes 33-36 were acquired as part of a Latino comics collection.

Acquisition information:
The Comic Book and Graphic Novel Collection were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift and purchase in 1980-2017; as a gift from Alicia Korenman in 2010; as a gift from John Canfield in 2012; as purchases from Lorne Bair Rare Books in 2016-2019; and as purchases from Bolerium Books in 2017, 2023, and 2024.
Processing information:

Processed by William Hansen, April 2011

Encoded by Meghan Lyon, April 2011

Updated by Meghan Lyon, August 2012; January 2013

Updated by Laurin Penland, March 2017.

Accession 2021-0111 added and collection guide updated by Tracy M. Jackson, November 2021.

Accessions 2023-0210, 2024-0140 added by Leah Tams, January and November 2024.

Materials may not have been ordered and described beyond their original condition.

Arrangement:

Items in boxes 1-10 are gifts of Alicia Korenman, unless otherwise noted.

Items in boxes 26-31 were a gift of John Canfield in 2012.

Items in boxes 33-36 are a collection of Latino comics.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Comic Book and Graphic Novel Collection, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1js52