Appearing at the symposium are three of the best-known figures in the international arena of the comics and the graphic novel: Jean-Marc Lofficier; his wife, Randy Lofficier; and Roy Thomas. The exhibit will be on display at Thomas Cooper Library.

Scheduled symposium events include a lecture, “The History of the Comics and the Graphic Novel in France,” by the Lofficiers at 2 p.m. Nov. 18 in Gambrell Hall, Room 429, and a second lecture, “The Comics: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,” by the Lofficiers and Roy Thomas at 4p.m. Nov. 19 in Thomas Cooper Library’s Graniteville Room.

Jean-Marc Lofficier writes books and comic books about science fiction and fantasy. Together, the Lofficiers have authored books about movies and television, as well as numerous comics and translations, including the Moebius graphic novels. They were awarded the Inkpot Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comic Arts in 1991.

In 1961, Roy Thomas became involved with the comic book fandom movement which was stimulated by the re-birth of super-hero comics at DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Between 1961 and 1980, he worked on the seminal fanzine Alter Ego and wrote and edited for DC Comics and Marvel Comics where he was editor-in-chief from 1972 to 74. Deciding he preferred writing comics to editing them, Thomas turned his talents to writing about Conan the Barbarian, the X-Men, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor, the Incredible Hulk, Daredevil, Dr. Strange, the Avengers, the Invaders, the Defenders, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, All-Star Squadron, Arak Son of Thunder, Green Lantern, Justice League of America, Justice Society of America, and numerous others.

Thomas’ most recent comics work has been the DC graphic Elseworlds, and novels Superman: The War of the Worlds and JLA: The Island of Dr. Moreau. He is currently writing a parody comic book special entitled The History of the Bongo Universe for the company that publishes The Simpsons comics and a pair of stories for the forthcoming The Escapist comic.

Thomas is also serving as an advisor and on-screen commentator for an upcoming Discovery Channel special on comic book super-heroes, and edits a new monthly version of the magazine Alter Ego, which features interviews with and articles about the creators of comic books from the 1930s through the 1970s.

Co-sponsors of the event include the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies, the South Carolina Honors College, the Department of Art, the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, the Thomas Cooper Library, and the Thomas Cooper Society.

Symposium events are free and open to the public.

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