Ben Saunders

Ben Saunders is a Professor and Director of the Comics and Cartoon Studies Minor in the Department of English at the University of Oregon. His research focuses on Early Modern Poetry and Drama, Comics Studies, and Critical Theory, with particular interests in queer theory, genre fiction, and Anglo-American poetry. Saunders is renowned for his work on the intersection of spirituality and superhero narratives, and his leadership in establishing the first undergraduate minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies in the United States.

Saunders' research spans Early Modern literature, particularly John Donne, and contemporary comics analysis. He explores themes such as posthumanism in superhero narratives, queer theory in comic characters, and the cultural impact of graphic storytelling. His work bridges literary criticism and popular culture, examining how genres like crime, horror, and science fiction reflect societal anxieties and aspirations.

He has received significant recognition, including a finalist nod for the Oregon Book Award for Desiring Donne (2006), and a Choice Magazine designation as an Outstanding Academic Title for the same book. His co-edited volume The Art of the News was nominated for an Eisner Award in 2023. His scholarly contributions have been widely cited in both academic and mainstream media.

Advising and curatorial work form a cornerstone of his career. Saunders founded the University of Oregon’s Comics and Cartoon Studies Minor, a pioneering program in the U.S. He has collaborated on major exhibitions such as Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, which toured internationally, and Beyond Amazing: Spider-Man — The Exhibition. His editorial roles for the Penguin Classics Marvel Collection have expanded scholarly access to comic archives.

His creative collaborations include exhibitions on Jack Kirby’s legacy and comics journalism, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to bridging academia and public engagement. Saunders is also an award-winning teacher and a frequent speaker at comic conventions and media outlets, advocating for the cultural significance of comics.