Comical book benefits UNC

Comic books often evoke far-from-realistic images of heroes, supervillains and damsels in ?distress.

But the inspiration behind UNC professor John Rogers’ recently released cartoon book isn’t any of these — it’s the unique history and culture that makes the University.

Rogers, an emeritus professor of geological sciences and longtime Tar Heel supporter, began the project as a fundraiser for the University.

The professor covered the cost of printing and provided a stipend for the book’s illustrator.

“That’s out of his pocket entirely and this is just a labor of love,” said Del Helton, associate director of donor relations at the Arts and Sciences Foundation.

Rogers hopes that the book, which he began writing late last year, will attract both positive attention and money for the University.

“UNC as a whole has been very good to me, and I wanted to do something back,” he said.

The book provides a glimpse into University life as informative as it is comical.

From the book’s first pages, its illustrations complement the text to craft a witty, tongue-in-cheek commentary on the University’s history.

Spanning topics from traditions to quirky facts about the school’s various departments, Rogers sheds light on lesser-known aspects of UNC-Chapel Hill.

The section on the College of Arts and Sciences starts with a brief history of Mt. Mitchell — the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River — which is named for UNC geology professor Elisha Mitchell.

Turn the page, and a panicked geologist is shown fleeing a volcano.

“I suppose it took me a couple weeks to put together the text. The problem is that I am incapable of drawing,” Rogers said.

That’s where Angela Tchou’s work began.

The recent graduate and former Daily Tar Heel editorial cartoonist did not begin taking art classes formally until her sophomore year at UNC. But she saw the book as an opportunity.

“The impetus for me is that it was a more professional setting to demonstrate my skills,” Tchou said.

“I was excited at the prospect of someone needing my work.”

Helton noted that the book is appropriate for anyone who holds UNC close at heart.

“It’s really for anyone who loves Carolina — alumni, friends, parents of students,” she said.

The cartoon book is available for $10 at Bull’s Head Book Shop, the Arts and Sciences Foundation office on East Franklin Street and at the Department of Geology in Mitchell Hall.

It can also be purchased by making a $10 donation to the Arts and Sciences Foundation on their website. Visit college.unc.edu/foundation/makeagift, and specify “Carolina Cartoon Book” in the “department or fund” box.

Contact the Arts Editor at arts.dth@gmail.com.