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Open Studio: Father's Day

It’s Father's Day, and here at the MOA, we want to help you celebrate all the father figures in your life! As part of the MOA collection, there are original comic book prints featuring superheroes that, upon further inspection, might remind you of important men in your life. These comic book prints are featured in the current exhibition Becoming America.

EXPLORE THE ARTWORK

It is argued that the most recognizable comic book character of all time is Superman. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman made its debut in 1938, marking the beginning of what is referred to as the golden age of comic books. From then on, cartoonists began to create a wide variety of characters with all sorts of superpowers. Learn more about the MOA's collection of comic books with this video from Dr. Kenneth Hartvigsen HERE. One reason why people love comics is the inspirational stories of good overcoming evil. In this cover, Superman has lost 50% of his powers; however, we all know that in the end, he will regain his strength and save those in need. Have you ever had an experience where your father figure has protected you from harm? Superheroes don’t always act alone when saving others. They sometimes have help like Batman and Robin, often referred to as the Dynamic Duo. Batman’s story is unlike other superheroes; he does not possess any inhuman powers. However, that doesn’t mean he is suffering. Instead, Batman is equipped with a genius brain and is an excellent martial artist. Although your dad might not be able to fly like many heroes, what are some powers that he does possess? For example, is your father figure the reigning champ at monopoly or any game for that matter? Does he have the power to make time for you even when he has had a busy day? Or maybe he is the best baker and creates fabulous concoctions in the kitchen. One last example might not be as familiar to you as the first two. The Phantom is a superhero from the fictional African country of Bangalla who fights against all types of injustice. Many people believe he is immortal because of how long he has helped society. In reality, the Phantom is a role taken on by different generations of one family. When a new Phantom takes the task from his dying father, he swears the Oath of the Skull: “I swear to devote my life to the destruction of piracy, greed, cruelty, and injustice, in all their forms, and my sons and their sons shall follow me.” In this situation, being a superhero is a family ordeal. Have you and your father ever teamed up to help someone or something in need? Maybe it was a great adventure. Where did you go, and what did you do? In the spirit of comic books, you are going to create a comic strip today featuring your father figure!

ART ACTIVITY

Provided is a printable comic outline that can be oriented any way you like. Click HERE to download. Before you start creating, refer back to the questions connected to the superhero examples. Using the questions as a starting point, pick one memory you have with your dad in which he was the ultimate superhero. Using the 5 box outline, describe the story you have picked using pictures and words. Create a title, choose a superhero name, and design to your heart's content! If you need a personalized gift, then this comic strip might be the perfect thing to show him how much you love him and also bring some good laughs. Here's an example:

Father