Abstract for MSU Comics Forum

Abina and the Important Men (Getz/Clark, Oxford University Press, 2011) and Crecy (Ellis/Caceres, Avatar Press, 2007) are both graphic novels dealing with historical events. The differences between these two works are significant.  These books’ presentation, intent, and—one could argue—appropriateness to the introductory history classroom are polar opposites.  Abina is specifically aimed at the educational market while Crecy is aimed at the comic-buying market.  Abina contains a vast array of background prose reading and pedagogical tools.  Crecy includes none—not even a foreword or afterword.  by examining the differences between these two works historians and eductors can trace a best-fitting line between the often conflicting spheres of art and pedagogy.  by extension, a discussion of Abina and Crecy blends into the larger question of how to engage history students with a variety of historical sources—can graphic novels be a way forward?