University Libraries

Drawn into Conflict: The Evolution of War Comics

Drawn into Conflict: The Evolution of War Comics opens in the Carlson Library South Gallery on January 12, 2026 and runs through February 27.

This exhibit explores war comics, gender roles, and how the lowly comic book served as propaganda for, criticism of, and escapism from war.

War and the American Comic Book: Endorsement, Criticism, and Escape

The Carlson Conversations Lectures series is returning for the spring semester 2026 with the first lecture, War and the American Comic Book: Endorsement, Criticism, and Escape, on January 28 at 2:30 p.m. in the Carlson Library Main Event Space as a companion to the Drawn into Conflict exhibition.

A panel of UToledo faculty will address the historical and cultural impact of comic books beginning with WWII and covering the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Cold War, up to more recent comics in the upcoming event “War and the American Comic Book: Endorsement, Criticism, and Escape.” Panelists will discuss such topics as the influence of Jewish publishers and creators, the depiction of women in wartime comics, as well as propaganda, censorship, racism, and the reflection of American viewpoints concerning the various conflicts. Panelists Dr. Daniel Compora, Professor of English, Dr. Matt Yockey, Professor of Film, Kristen Geaman, Senior Lecturer Department of History, and Dr. Barry Jackisch, Associate Professor of History will bring their unique perspectives. The event will be moderated by Gerald Natal, Associate Professor with the University Libraries.

Layers - Deb A. Davis and Barbara W.F. Miner

Layers will run January 20, 2026 through March 13 in the Carlson Library North Gallery 

Using mixed media and different approaches to art practice, Deb A. Davis and Barbara Miner create artworks inspired by the resilience of nature, meditative observation, scientific processes, and the impact of human biology and behavior. Shapes, textures, and mark making techniques push the visual elements through layers of revelation, camouflage, and concealment.

Health Science Campus Art Show call for Submissions

The Health Science Campus  is calling for submissions for the 21st annual HSC Artist Showcase by Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Artwork is accepted for UToledo faculty, staff or students affiliated with:

• All departments and colleges on the Health Science Campus
• Health science-related departments and colleges on Main Campus (College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and College of Health Science and Human Services)
• The University of Toledo Medical Center

Showcase to be held at Mulford Library Feb. 2 – April 1, 2026. Submission form and instructions at libguides.utoledo.edu/hscart. 

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