Once and Future Kings: The Return of King Arthur in the Comics (original) (raw)

Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks, 2004

Abstract

The idea of the return of King Arthur has been an important element of the legend since the Middle Ages, and creative artists have represented Arthur as a Once and Future King in an unprecedented number of works during the twentieth century, an era that Valerie M. Lagorio described as “witnessing an Arthurian renascence even greater than that of the Victorian Age.”1 Over the past one hundred years, Arthur has adopted various forms, guises, and even genders to effect his return in modern works, including fiction, poetry, drama, film, television, radio, and folklore. In particular, the comics medium—both the comic book and the comic strip—has employed the enduring motif of Arthur’s return to create innovative approaches to the legend. This essay will focus on one particular aspect of Arthur’s fictional restoration in the comics by exploring his return through reenactment.

Michael A Torregrossa hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Michael know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.