Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK – British Library

I went along to the Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK exhibition at the British Library recently. I’m not a particular fan of comics or graphic novels, but I’m always interested in learning more about anything to do with literature.

The exhibition displays both mainstream and underground comics, demonstrating the breadth of subjects they have addressed throughout the years, including politics, gender, violence and sexuality. I enjoyed reading about the history of comics, from their roots in medieval manuscripts and the “Punch” character through to modern comics and graphic novels. I was left with several ideas about graphic novels to try, including Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, Alan Moore’s Watchmen and V for Vendetta, and Posy Simmonds’ Tamara Drewe.