POTSDAM -- An associate professor in SUNY Potsdam's Department of English and Communication recently authored a retrospective on military cartoons.

Christina M. Knopf’s work "The Comic Art of War: A Critical Study of Military Cartoons, 1805-2014, with a Guide to Artists" was recently published by McFarland Books.

For military cartoonists, the absurdity of war inspires a laugh-or-cry response and provides an endless source of un-funny amusement.

Cartoons by hundreds of artists-at-arms from more than a dozen countries and spanning two centuries were included in her book -- the first to consider such a broad range of military comics.

"It all started, though I did not know it then, on a winter's day in late 2010. I was perusing the military history stacks at the local used bookstore when I discovered Barsis' 'They're All Yours, Uncle Sam!,' a 1943 story of babes-in-arms who became women-at-arms. I was at once enchanted and amused," Knopf said. "Before long, I happened upon other comics by and for military personnel."

War and military life are examined through the inside jokes of the men and women who served. "The Comic Art of War" analyzes themes of culture, hierarchy, enemies and allies, geography, sexuality, combat and civilian relations, and describes how comics function within a community. A number of artists included were known for their work with Disney, Marvel Comics, the New Yorker and Madison Avenue, but many lesser-known artists are also recognized in the book.

Knopf's research for this title included visits to the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum and the Sampson Museum at the former Sampson Naval and Air Force Base, as well as to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

"The Comic Art of War" is available from McFarland Books now. For more information, visit www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-2.php.