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Mexican and Latin American Comic and Zine Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-1013-BC

Scope and Content

The collection consists of artists' materials from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Some publications document specifically Latin American experiences and culture, while others cover more generalized topics. Items include mainstream and self-published comics and fanzines. The collection is split into two major categories - Mexican (the largest part of the collection), and materials from other Latin American/Caribbean countries. Many of the Mexican publications are inscribed by one or more creators. Most of the Mexican material is in Spanish, and the Brazilian works are in Portuguese, although English is used in the titles or text of some works. The collection is open-ended and materials will be added as they become available.

Dates

  • 1999-2017

Language of Materials

Spanish

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Background Information

Latin American comics, zines and graphic novels have a unique history of addressing controversial political, cultural, and social issues.

Comics: The Comics Studies Society defines comics studies to include the study and critical analysis of comic strips, comic books, papers, magazines, albums, graphic novels webcomics, single-panel cartoons, caricature, animation and other related forms and traditions. “All types of sequential art, graphic narrative, and cartooning are relevant to our mission.”

Fanzines: The term Fanzine, or "zine", refers to a small, informal, non-professionally produced publication. Characteristics of zines include a limited circulation and a raison d'etre that stresses free expression over profit. Zines are graphic expressions of their authors' social, cultural, and political interests and concerns. They are creative outlets devoted to individual and idiosyncratic self-expression. A zine might treat any topic -- politics, music, sex, gender relations, sports, pop culture, art, food.

Extent

6 Boxes

Abstract

Collection of comics and fanzines produced by artists and writers in Latin America, especially Mexico.

Arrangement of the Collection

Series 1 contains Mexican works organized alphabetically by title, showing issue numbers, creative contributors, dates of publication if known, and special notes. Series 2 contains Latin American works organized in the same fashion, also noting place of publication and publisher if known. One folder contains miscellaneous graphics and ephemera from all regions. Oversized objects are boxed in an additional series.

Related Collections

Chilean Zine and Comics Collection, University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research

Chicano Latino Comics Collection, University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research

Mexican Small Press Publications collection of books in CSWR, found at PQ7245.M4 and other call numbers.
Title
Finding Aid of the Mexican and Latin American Comic and Zine Collection, 1980-2018
Status
Completed
Date
© 2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451