The purpose of this thesis is to show the reader that comic books are a valid and important art form which can be studied in a meaningful fashion by those interested in literature. This is accomplished first by examining the component parts of the comic book and explaining how those elements contribute to the narrative experience. A method of analysis which employs that knowledge is then used to show the sort of discussion which can arise from comic books. The body of the thesis concludes with structural and textual analyses of a recent "graphic novel," and is supplemented by appendices which explain terms related to the comics industry and recommend further reading.
Scott Marshall (Wed,) studied this question.