When Comics Become Part of a Thesis Project

Abstract

This article outlines my doctoral thesis project that began in October 2021. Given the interdisciplinary nature of this hybrid doctoral project, the challenge is twofold. First, bridging the gap between a historical analysis of an object of study, using archival research and, second, a self-reflection on the production of a comic strip, its communication and accessibility, both requiring constant adaptation of the methodology. The first part of the thesis is concerned with answering the research questions relating to wartime godmothers during the First World War in France. Numerous sources have been identified to answer these questions. The second part of the thesis is the creation of a fictional comic strip in collaboration with a female cartoonist. Given that this is a work in progress, the article sets out the initial results and highlights the benefits and challenges of this interdisciplinary practice that have been discovered so far.