UTA Libraries Opens Access to the John and Magdalena Conway Collection of Mexican and Spanish Comics

UTA Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives proudly announce that the John and Magdalena Conway Collection of Mexican and Spanish Comics is now fully accessible to students, researchers, and the public. This carefully curated collection celebrates Mexican and Spanish popular culture through art, storytelling, and history, offering a unique opportunity to explore it in person or through the Libraries’ bilingual finding aid. 

Donated in 2023 by Dr. Christopher Conway, professor of Spanish in UTA’s Department of Modern Languages, the collection includes more than 900 comics and Spanish-language dime novels. Covering topics from world history and migration to the American West, science, and daily life, it provides a rare window into the creative imagination of Mexico and Spain. 

"This collection is fully cataloged, official, visible, and accessible," Dr. Conway said. "The whole purpose was to make it available to a wider audience, students, and Libraries patrons. I don’t actively collect Mexican and Spanish comics anymore, so seeing it have a life here in Special Collections makes me feel really good." 

From Hobby to Scholarship 

Dr. Conway began collecting comics as a personal hobby, which evolved into a scholarly pursuit, culminating in his 2019 book, “Heroes of the Borderlands: The Western and Mexican Film, Comics and Music." The collection has also enriched his courses on Latin American and Mexican culture. 

"Before being donated to Special Collections, I would bring boxes of comics to class, which was cumbersome," he said. "Now I can bring students to UTA Libraries and give them access to rare original comics, which is an ideal situation for learning." 

Cultural Gems 

The collection contains several standout items: 

• Sept. 11 comic: Explores the experience of Hispanic immigrants in the Twin Towers and tensions between immigrant groups during the terrorist attack.
• Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster comic: The comic tells the history of the shuttle disaster that killed seven astronauts, including UTA alum Kalpana Chawla.
• Rare Spanish dime novels (c. 1915): Set in the American West, featuring Hispanic heroes and reflecting Spanish imperial ideology.
• Preprint comic: Shows original Mexican comic book art before printing, offering insight into the creative process.
• 2005 Mexican government immigration guide: This guide was purchased locally in Arlington, Texas, and was designed to help immigrants cross the border safely, educating them about their rights and how to ask for consular help. 
   

"They’re widely read materials that connect with students’ personal histories, allowing both academic study and enjoyment,” Evan Spencer, Outreach and Instruction Archivist, said. “We’ve already used them in classes beyond Dr. Conway’s, including Mexican American history and Texas history, giving students perspectives they wouldn’t normally see." 

Processing and Access 

Transforming the John and Magdalena Conway Collection from a personal archive into a public resource was a multi-year, collaborative effort focused on preservation and accessibility. Staff members and student workers carefully rehoused more than 900 items, adding sleeves, backing boards, and detailed labels to ensure each piece’s long-term care and easy retrieval. 

Kathryn Slover, Archives Unit Manager and Digital Archivist, said accessibility was always the driving goal. The team worked closely with Dr. Conway to create a bilingual finding aid translated into Spanish, allowing researchers to explore historical notes, content descriptions, and headings in both languages, expanding access for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike. 

Sophia Motyka, lead digital archives student, played a key role in completing the project. She uploaded the final inventory to ArchivesSpace, making the collection publicly available for the first time. Motyka noted that the art and storytelling in the comics draw you into the collection.  

With the processing complete, the Collection is now fully accessible to researchers, faculty, and students, serving as a vibrant resource for learning and scholarship. It allows users worldwide to explore its rich art and storytelling, fostering academic inquiry and creative inspiration. 

A Lasting Legacy 

The collection, now accessible online, extends its value beyond the UTA community to a global audience, offering unparalleled resources for research and cultural exploration. 

"This is one of the premier collections of Mexican popular culture in the United States," Spencer said. "It’s an amazing resource for both research and enjoyment." 

Joining the Joel Rosen Cartoon Collection and the Etta Hulme Papers, the John and Magdalena Conway help solidify comics as part of Special Collections’ identity. Its focus on Mexican and world history, the American West, and Spanish popular culture makes it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and curious patrons. 

"It is very meaningful to me that their names are attached to this collection. I want to thank everyone involved for their extraordinary work," Dr. Conway said. "The attention to detail, care in preservation, and collaborative effort from staff and students ensure this collection will educate, inspire, and delight scholars and readers for generations." 

The John and Magdalena Conway Collection of Mexican and Spanish Comics is now available for research through UTA Libraries' Special Collections and Archives. 

Anyone interested in donating a collection can email spcoref@uta.edu  to connect with Special Collections. 

To learn more about the origins of this remarkable collection, see the 2023 article, “Comic Book Donation Opens Window into History."