It’s a safe bet that nearly half of EMU’s population has read Marvel or DC comics either growing up, or even today as a college student. Comics are a huge part of our history in America and more than that, the comic industries are among the most popular hobbies of the current generation, cherished by people both young and old. This is especially true now that superhero movies have really taken off.
Kapow! Comics Exhibit at Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center is back for another round, and this time is even better than the last. This gallery of student work has been occurring every few years since 2001, and each time churns out more talent than the previous exhibition.
The gallery is showing through April 16 and can be viewed in EMU’s Student Center University Gallery Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Of the artists shown, the exhibit features a slew of new and veteran artists, including “Mouse Guard” creator David Petersen, Joe Kubert, a renowned comic book artist and Jeff Smith, who created “Bone” and “RASL.”
Upon entering the gallery, you are immediately greeted by Superman, Metropolis’ own savior. As you peruse the gallery, there are a different varieties of art styles and products. Not all items are related to comic books. You can see posters, artist’s sketches, comic panels and even some ceramic. The sketches and comics are in both black and white and color, some heavily outlined in ink, some lightly colored and some computer generated.
One project shown in the gallery is a Rosie the Riveter-esque graphic design of a young woman as a scientist which reads, “Science builds the future.” It looks like 1930s and ‘40s propaganda with a futuristic spin, almost playing off of the acclaimed video game “Bioshock.”
If you happen to have free time between classes or if you really admire comic books, take time to explore the Kapow! Comics Exhibit.
