Italian Comics in the New Millennium. Vol. 2. New Scenarios, New Forms, New Themes [Hardback]

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Italian Comics in the New Millennium. Vol. 2. New Scenarios, New Forms, New Themes

Alessio Aletta (Ed.)

by Giorgio Busi Rizzi (Ghent University, Belgium), Silvia Vari (University of Warwick), Lisa Maya Quaianni Manuzzato (WOW Spazio Fumetto), Lorenzo Di Paola (ULB-Université Libre de Bruxelles), Yesim Tonga (IMT, School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy), Francesca Leonardi (IMT, School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy), Francesca Fino (IMT, School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy), Nicole Crescenzi (IMT, School for Advanced Studies Lucca), Maria Luisa Catoni (IMT, School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy), Dario Boemia (IULM University), Rodolfo Dal Canto (University of L’Aquila, Italy), Alice Parrinello (St Cross College, University of Oxford), Claudia Cerulo (University of Naples Federico II), Lorenzo Bonoldi

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A thought-provoking, critical roller-coaster ride which deftly highlights the variety of contemporary Italian comics production, from the most venerable publishing houses to the most recent web-based formats. These two volumes are a welcome homage to a deep-rooted comic tradition that keeps reinventing itself.

Vittorio Frigerio
Emeritus Professor
Dalhousie University

These two volumes on Italian comics, conceived and edited by Alessio Aletta, immediately establish themselves as landmark contributions for both scholars and enthusiasts. Contemporary comics emerge among the most radically self-reflective artistic forms of our digital era, while also claiming a vital place within the broader framework of the history of books and publishing.

Dr. Andrea G.G. Parasiliti
Artist & Writer
andreaggparasiliti.it

Volume II of 'Italian Comics in the New Millennium' offers an in-depth exploration of the dynamic transformations in the Italian comics industry, focusing on the intersections of innovation, tradition, and contemporary socio-political issues. This collection highlights the rapidly evolving production and consumption landscape, including the rise of self-publishing, digital comics, and the impact of online platforms. The book examines the role of digital comics in reshaping narrative and aesthetic possibilities, while also addressing the changing working conditions of comics creators in the digital age. Key themes explored in this volume include the integration of comics into journalism; the emergence of reality-based narratives; and the growing representation of gender, sexuality, and immigration in contemporary graphic novels. Special attention is given to new waves of Italian comics that explore regional identities, historical memory, and personal lineage, offering a diverse range of case studies from emerging authors and established figures.
This collection is a vital resource for researchers, students, and professionals in comics studies, media, and cultural studies. It provides an extensive overview of the most recent developments in Italian comics, offering a blend of critical analysis and fresh perspectives on the medium’s cultural significance. With its focus on evolving narrative forms and innovative production models, this volume serves as both a reference tool and a thought-provoking exploration of the present – and future – of Italian comics.

List of Figures
Introduction. A Blank Page
Alessio Aletta
University of Toronto

IN PERSON OR ONLINE? PRESENT (AND FUTURE) OF THE ITALIAN COMICS INDUSTRY
Chapter One
“Una fitta rete di contatti umani”: the Contemporary Italian Self-publishing Comics
Lisa Maya Quaianni Manuzzato
WOW Spazio Fumetto
Chapter Two
Digitalian Comics: Italian Digital Comics’ Path from National Tradition to Platform Society
Giorgio Busi Rizzi
Ghent University
Lorenzo Di Paola
ULB-Université Libre de Bruxelles
Chapter Three
Impacts of the Digital Transformation on the Italian Comics Field: An Exploration of the Comics Creators’ Changing Work Dynamics
Yesim Tonga
IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca
Lisa Maya Quaianni Manuzzato
IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca
Francesca Leonardi
IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca
Francesca Fino
IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca
Nicole Crescenzi
IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca
Maria Luisa Catoni
IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

STORIES AND HISTORY: TRENDS AND CASE STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN COMICS
Chapter Four
A Critical Overview of Italian Comics Journalism (2002-2022)
Dario Boemia
IULM University
Chapter Five
Immigration in Italian Comics: Tracing a Genealogy of Migrant Narratives in the Fumetto di realtà
Silvia Vari
University of Warwick
Chapter Six
The New Wave of Italian Comics and the Representation of the Italian Province
Rodolfo Dal Canto
University of L’Aquila
Chapter Seven
A Queer Trend in Italian Graphic Novels? Analyzing Forms in the Years of the Cirinnà Law and Ddl Zan
Alice Parrinello
St Cross College, University of Oxford
Chapter Eight
Beyond Facts and Fiction. Investigating Female Genealogies in Italian Graphic Memoirs
Claudia Cerulo
University of Naples Federico II
Chapter Nine
History and Storytelling: Isa Conquers All
Lorenzo Bonoldi
Independent Scholar
About the Contributors
Index

Alessio Aletta holds a Ph.D. in Italian Studies from the University of Toronto. His research interests include Italian Modernism, Literary Geography, and Contemporary Italian Comics. He has published numerous articles on Italian comics artists, including Leo Ortolani, Gipi, Roberto Recchioni, and Zerocalcare. He co-founded “TICS” (Toronto Italian Comics Studies), the first study group in North America entirely dedicated to the subject of Italian Comics.

Fumetto, History of Italian comics, Italian graphic novels, Italian digital comics, Italian graphic journalism, Italian pop culture