Panel by Panel: The Social and Cultural Impact of Comics
October 30, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Opening reception: October 30, 2025 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Experience the excitement and diversity of comics of all kinds—from political cartoons to manga, graphic novels to Marvel superheroes—as we explore the history, development and artistic craft of comics; their impact on education, commerce, and collecting culture; and their reflection of society’s treatment of diverse genders, sexualities, races, and religions.
Although comics are often considered child’s play, they are anything but simple. Comics are a digestible medium that reflects, but simultaneously contests, complex cultural commentaries. They are an accessible form of visual storytelling that creates narratives often through pictures and words, and are used across the world to teach, to persuade, to rally, and even to escape reality. This interactive exhibition includes authentic artifacts such as the earliest political cartoons published in the U.S. by the “father of American political cartoons” Thomas Nast, 19th century Darktown and Punch comics, Chalie Hebdo’s famous Je sui Charlie issue, rare cross-over collectibles, stained glass windows, contemporary artwork by WCU faculty, and even original sketches by Spider-Man creator Steve Ditko!
The opening reception will include food and music. Come dressed as your favorite cartoon character or superhero!
Credits
Curators
Michael A. Di Giovine
Professor of Anthropology
Director, Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology
&
Thomas Haughey
Associate Professor of Theater
Exhibits Designer, Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology
Graduate Assistant Curator
Grace Welsh, MA Candidate in History
Exhibit Design
Thomas Haughey
Associate Professor of Theater
Exhibits Designer, Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology
Exhibit Case Illustrations
Maria Monachino
Scenery Workshop Coordinator
Graphic Design
Stephanie Thompson
Publications Assistant, WCU Graphics and Printing
Student Co-Curators
Lilli Benson
Grace Carson
John Fanelli
Katie Graham
Glennis Harrington
Taylor Healey
Mina Hinton
Katie Kramer
William Lamm
Cohwen Mills
Maxwell Weschules
Virtual Exhibition Designers
Tom Pantazes and Hannah Glatt, Teaching and Learning Center
Special Thanks:
Ashley Patriarca, Associate Professor, Department of English
Gabrielle Halko, Professor, Department of English
Grace Carson and Family
Matt Lamb
Patrick Shank, Archivist, Catholic Historical Research Center of Philadelphia
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The Commerce of Comic$
Mary Kintz Bevevino Library, Misericordia University
Carli Hanson, University of Toronto Press
Foster W. Krupp
Tara Reed
Gemma Cohen
Peyton Miller
Aidan Gilly
Liam McColl
Sebastian Di Giovine
Maria Di Giovine