Hi there! I'm so glad you could make it! I've just been reading some news articles while I waited for you to arrive.
I just finished reading about a ton of books, mostly graphic novels, that are being banned from schools, mostly due to political and social commentary within them.
I have to say I'm pretty surprised (and disappointed) by this. Graphic novels and political commentary have a long history of connections with one another.
Many of our most beloved comic book characters have deep ties to political and social commentary.
One of the most famous comic book characters of all, Captain America, was born as a work of American political propaganda.
Captain America stood as a symbol of America - powerful, strong, and ready to fight his country's enemies.
In his debut issue, he is depicted on the cover punching Hitler in the face.
Cap was created by Marvel to be the hero fighting against Red Skull, a Nazi villain attempting to take down the United States from within.
His stories were meant to inspire support for the war and troops, but his character's political efforts went beyond the comics..
At home, while readers enjoyed the comics, posters of Cap were used to inspire support for military efforts, like victory gardens and war bonds.
Comics were sent oversees to boost soldier morale and glorify their efforts.