Transformation of the Themes and Problems in Russian Social Comics (2010-2019)

The present research focuses on the issue of transformation of the themes and problems in Russian social comics through the last decade. The paper improves a fundamental understanding of the interconnection between popular culture and social agenda. The methods implemented in the study includes the following techniques: narrative analysis, discourse analysis, periodization and comparative analysis. The key objective of this paper is to determine, whether a social impact have made it more radicalized in 2010s or not. Firstly, the research analyses a theoretical understanding of the terms of themes and problems in the classic literature and adapt them to a comic book culture, where the text is mixed with graphics. Secondly, the paper formulates the definition and criteria for the new term — social comics. Thirdly, this research work provides a profound understanding of the tendency of transformation within the narrative of Russian social comics on the example of three comics of this type, which were created in different periods of the decade. The paper considers their common features and scrutinizes differences. To conclude, the research work creates opportunities for further study of the culture of Russian comics in the framework of social agenda.