The Rare Books section of Special Collections in the JS Gericke Library has recently been clearing space for a comic strip collection. The idea of storing comic books among the beautiful art books and ancient texts in this section might seem strange, but a closer look at this interesting genre will prove that it deserves a place here.

Anton Kannemeyer, artist and co-editor of the highly successful Bitterkomix, has recently been appointed as senior lecturer in the Fine Arts department, where he teaches a course in narrative and sequential art. Kannemeyer approached us with the idea of forming a comic collection in Rare Books. He presented us with a sizeable collection of comic books and other strip art material, all works of art in their own right. We will also be receiving material from the University of Michigan in the United States, as part of a comics exchange programme.

Besides the popular strips like Tintin and Asterix, there are other comics exploring more serious themes and commenting on society. The comic book collection in Rare Books will be a valuable addition to our existing art book collection, which is used extensively by students.

For more information, you can contact Mimi van der Merwe at tel.: 808-4881 or e-mail: mseyf@sun.ac.za