Multiperspectival war memory in contemporary Czech and Russian graphic novels for young people

Abstract Cultural memory studies have revealed that the choice of medium can significantly affect the manner in which memories are recalled. This article investigates reflexive engagement with opposing perspectives on past military conflicts (agonistic memory) from the methodological standpoint of literary studies. Are there specific forms of representation that encourage readers to engage with multiple perspectives on the past? Focusing on verbal and visual narratives that shape war memory for young people, this article presents a comparative case study of two graphic novels: The Expelled Children ( Odsunuté děti , 2021) from the Czech Republic and War vs. Childhood ( Voina vs Detstvo , 2021) from Russia. This case study broadens the concept of multiperspectival memory to include not only a variety of lived experiences but also their multiple mediations and remediations. Furthermore, the article argues that comics, a form that is defined by its use of fractured images and a creative tension between words and images, is particularly suited to an agonistic approach to memory.