A California college is offering a free online course about comic books
The art of comics, it should now be clear, has advanced well beyond the likes of Bazooka Joe wrappers, Jack Chick tracts, and old back issues of Hot Stuff The Little Devil to become one of the most vital forms of expression of the 21st century. Comics adaptations, long a staple of motion pictures, are now beginning to dominate television (Arrow, The Flash) and even Broadway as well (Fun Home). In many respects, comic books are at the vanguard of popular culture and are thus worthy of serious scholarly attention. As of this writing, however, the California College Of The Arts is one of the very few academic institutions offering an MFA in comics. For those unwilling or unable to abandon their current lives and move to the Golden State in pursuit of comics knowledge, however, the CCA is generously offering a massive open online course entitled “Comics: Art In Relationships.” The program is free, and anyone can enroll.