Jeff MacLeod

Jeff MacLeod

I'm a Canadian professor and artist. I've published articles on women and culture, politics, Dungeons & Dragons, and on the work of JRR Tolkien.

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Latest Articles

Latest Topics

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Comic book art and the Pre-Raphaelites?

Would anyone be interested in reading an article about the connection I see between Pre-Raphaelite art – and the group which immediately followed which I call the "British Romantics" – and their influence on contemporary illustration in comic books and graphic novels? My main argument will likely be: even if "Victorian" art fell out of favour for a time with the general public it still played a major role in art education for many of the successful fantasy illustrators/ comic book artist of the 1970/80s. This trend hasn’t diminished with current comic book artist, if anything with the revival in the general interest in this genre of art (PRB and British Romantics) their influence has grown with artists and readers. I’ll attempt to show this by comparing the artwork of both groups of artists and pointing out where the influences seem most apparent (to me anyway). What do you think?

  • I think that is an awesome idea. I work in the gothic period which touches and overlaps with the romantic tradition so I am always looking for interesting takes on that time. I am not sure how many other history of art geeks are on here but I bet you will be able to put a sufficiently interesting argument together that you will peak the curiosity of all art lovers. I definitely think you should do something along these lines, I am looking forward to it! – DClarke 9 years ago
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  • Thanks. It may be interesting to add some gothic references to my analysis, too. – Jeff MacLeod 9 years ago
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  • I'm finally on sabbatical so I can complete this essay, I hope to post something in the next month (or so). – Jeff MacLeod 8 years ago
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Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in Literature and Film

Have the films helped or hindered the reception of Tolkien’s work?

  • This article should use many comparisons between novels and films. Also look at the growth of the fan base before and after. – Joseph Manduke IV 9 years ago
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  • not only will most of this article rely on fans and how they felt about the movies, but also every day people: how well does the public understand Tolkien's work? do they realize the depth of each culture in the literature and even the religious symbolism Tolkien attempted to convey in it? and ultimately, did the films portray the Lord of the Rings well? – ANGarcia 9 years ago
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  • There will be a difference to how fans of the books reacted to the movies and how the general public reacted to the movies. Also, this article might want to include something about how books are adapted into movies. There may have been some features of Tolkien's work that were easy to adapt and others that had to be left out (ex. there are lots of characters who were left out like Tom Bombadil). – S.A. Takacs 9 years ago
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  • These comments are really helpful. I go back and forth in my own mind around the value of Jackson's films in representing Tolkien's world. In the end, I'm glad they were made but I just wonder if the imagery of the films trumps all other attempts to protray Middle-earth in visual art? – Jeff MacLeod 9 years ago
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Latest Comments

Jeff MacLeod

https://theconversation.com/a-survivors-vengeance-how-donald-trump-could-win-again-206469

Hi, I just posted an abridged and revised version of this Trump essay in the “Conversation”. Please let me know if you liked it.

Jeff

How Trump Won: Heroes, Villains and Surviving the Apocalypse
Jeff MacLeod

Thank-you for this article; it is a robust exploration of the Salem series and witches in general. I very much appreciate your take on all of this.

Inside America's Fascination with Witches
Jeff MacLeod

As I’ve argued in this essay (and elsewhere) policy doesn’t change until our stories do. I see some improvement on how women and POC are being framed in popular culture, but it has come with a small, but vocal, backlash. Gatekeepers of old stories do not give up power easily, but change does happen IMO.

It is not easy to measure because most of the change happens initially in the mysterious world of the cognitive unconscious, but it does get reflected in the real world in ways that are observable.

Thank you for reading my article and your thoughtful comment.

Women, Culture and Politics: Buffy's Critical Bite
Jeff MacLeod

Thank you for your kind comment.

The question you raise on racism is complex and deserves its own essay. I note that The Hobbit was published in 1937 and The Lord of the Rings was launched, as a trilogy, in the 1950s. Some terms Tolkien employed ring shrill in our ears, and some aspects of his narrative deserve critical rebuke. Yet, I don’t think there is much evidence that Tolkien viewed his legends through a racial lens (that is it wasn’t a story about how one race is better than another). He viewed all races/people as “fallen” which was informed by his religious belief. Indeed, his tale on corrupt political power and inhuman bureaucracy being overcome by a multi-racial fellowship governed by free will suggests he wrote from a progressive frame, especially for his time. Again, your question deserves a much more detailed examination, but those are my initial thoughts.

Tolkien and Dungeons & Dragons
Jeff MacLeod

Thanks! I agree, RPG’s have moved pretty far from their roots in Tolkien’s legends. D&D 5e has really taken the RPG world by storm where almost anything goes. I think the current movement is moving this game from a battle of monster statistics to an art form. I’ve become a fan again.

Tolkien and Dungeons & Dragons
Jeff MacLeod

Thanks! I, too, am a Supernatural fan. As I’ve said elsewhere, I believe Sam would vote Democrat, I am not sure about Dean, I could see him voting for President Trump. The brothers both fit into the survivalist frame as I describe it. Again, thanks, I appreciate your interest in my work.

How Trump Won: Heroes, Villains and Surviving the Apocalypse
Jeff MacLeod

Thanks for reading my article.

You make sound observations, but they don’t seem to address President Trump’s cultural/political appeal to a marginalized community who do not have any shared lived experience with him. Trump was born wealthy and lives a billionaire’s lifestyle (with no military experience). My point is he was able to occupy their cultural frame and convince this group he shares their values – my article attempts to address how he pulled that off.

How Trump Won: Heroes, Villains and Surviving the Apocalypse
Jeff MacLeod

I agree entirely, the eagles are often misunderstood in D&D circles. It is hard for humans to imagine a species that is above them in the spiritual realm.

Tolkien and Dungeons & Dragons