The growth and development of British underground and alternative comics, 1966–1986

Initially the terms 'underground' and 'alternative' are defined British underground periodicals and comics displayed a distinct influence from American underground publications, both in terms of their political ideas and their visual styles. After 1973 a less politically motivated form of alternative comic developed. The comparative financial failure of the majority of these comics is discussed. It can be said that these comics reflect their ideas and meanings through their drawing styles as well as their obvious political and social content. A wide range of comics is then examined in terms of their construction and underlying narrative structure, using a series of empirical tests devised for this purpose. The aim of these tests is to see if underground or alternative comics can be distinguished from mainstream comics by their form and structure rather than just their content. The influence of alternative comics can be felt both in the growing sophistication of mainstream British comics and in the reuse of comic imagery in graphic design and advertising.