This is the introduction to a special issue of the Journal featuring the academic papers from the Australian Comics Symposium at the inaugural Perth Comic Arts Festival (PCAF), 2018. The symposium's call for papers focused on comics as the products of Australian culture(s). This introduction gives historical context for Australian comics. Australian comics makers have established their identity on the international stage throughout the 20th Century and into the present. Notable are May Gibbs, Yaroslav Horak, Nicola Scott, Tom Taylor and Shaun Tan, among many. Articles in the issue describe a literary workshop for the graphic novel; working with university students new to the medium of graphic novels; close readings of Shaun Tan's The Arrival and Pat Grant's Blue, and the work of Tommi Parrish; and finally, the application of comics in legal contracts.
He makes comics and visual prototypes for service design to improve employment and housing services. Stuart is a co-founder and Chair of the Perth Comic Arts Festival. He has worked as a professional illustrator and graphic designer for 20 years with clients including Anglicare, Austal Ships and the Centre for Social Impact. He is a founding partner, art director and illustrator for Hidden Shoal Recordings, a critically acclaimed record label with a roster of international artists.
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