Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-945
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-945
09 Dec 2022
 | 09 Dec 2022

Paleontology-themed comics and graphic novels, their potential for scientific outreach, and the bilingual graphic novel EUROPASAURUSLife on Jurassic Islands

Oliver Wings, Jan Fischer, Joschua Knüppe, Henning Ahlers, Sebastian Körnig, and Arila-Maria Perl

Abstract. The first part of this article gives an overview of influential comics and graphic novels on paleontological themes from the last twelve decades. Through different forms of representation and narration, both clichés and the latest findings from paleontological research are presented in comics in an entertaining way for a broad audience. As a result, comics are often chroniclers of 20th century scientific history and contemporary paleoart. The second part of this article deals with the development of the bilingual graphic novel EUROPASAURUS – Life on Jurassic Islands, which communicates knowledge from universities as well as museums to the public. This non-verbal comic presents the results of a paleontological research project on a Late Jurassic terrestrial biota from northern Germany in both a scientifically accurate as well as an easily understandable way, based on the way of life of various organisms and their habitats. Insights into the creative process, the perception of the book by the public, and ideas on how to raise public awareness of such a project are discussed.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

11 May 2023
| Highlight paper
Paleontology-themed comics and graphic novels, their potential for scientific outreach, and the bilingual graphic novel EUROPASAURUS – Life on Jurassic Islands
Oliver Wings, Jan Fischer, Joschua Knüppe, Henning Ahlers, Sebastian Körnig, and Arila-Maria Perl
Geosci. Commun., 6, 45–74, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-6-45-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-6-45-2023, 2023
Short summary Executive editor
Oliver Wings, Jan Fischer, Joschua Knüppe, Henning Ahlers, Sebastian Körnig, and Arila-Maria Perl

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-945', Jeff Liston, 07 Feb 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Oliver Wings, 02 Mar 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-945', Victoria Coules, 12 Feb 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Oliver Wings, 02 Mar 2023

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-945', Jeff Liston, 07 Feb 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Oliver Wings, 02 Mar 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-945', Victoria Coules, 12 Feb 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Oliver Wings, 02 Mar 2023

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (further review by editor) (06 Mar 2023) by John K. Hillier
AR by Oliver Wings on behalf of the Authors (15 Mar 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (20 Mar 2023) by John K. Hillier
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (31 Mar 2023) by Solmaz Mohadjer (Executive editor)
AR by Oliver Wings on behalf of the Authors (05 Apr 2023)  Author's response   Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

11 May 2023
| Highlight paper
Paleontology-themed comics and graphic novels, their potential for scientific outreach, and the bilingual graphic novel EUROPASAURUS – Life on Jurassic Islands
Oliver Wings, Jan Fischer, Joschua Knüppe, Henning Ahlers, Sebastian Körnig, and Arila-Maria Perl
Geosci. Commun., 6, 45–74, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-6-45-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-6-45-2023, 2023
Short summary Executive editor
Oliver Wings, Jan Fischer, Joschua Knüppe, Henning Ahlers, Sebastian Körnig, and Arila-Maria Perl
Oliver Wings, Jan Fischer, Joschua Knüppe, Henning Ahlers, Sebastian Körnig, and Arila-Maria Perl

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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Paleontological knowledge transfer can be fun! This extended review paper of comics and graphic novels on the subject of paleontology discusses the potential for communicating paleontological topics to the public and the influence of contemporary paleoart in this genre. Additionally, the motivation for and the creation process of the bilingual graphic novel "EUROPASAURUS - Life on Jurassic Islands" - intended as modern science communication - is described. An extensive survey among readers of this book allows conclusions as to what the public expects and appreciates in such a work.
Short summary
We give an overview of influential comics and graphic novels on paleontological themes, especially dinosaurs. We explain their different forms of representation and narration, and how their were influenced by the contemporary state of knowledge. The second part deals with the creation of the bilingual graphic novel EUROPASAURUS – Life on Jurassic Islands, a non-verbal comic book, and how this book was perceived by the public.