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Frames of ethics: a systematic scoping review of graphic novels in ethics education

Rigter F. H. W., Germani F., Biller-Andorno N., Spitale G. (2025) International Journal of Ethics Education 11(1):5-29 10.1007/s40889-025-00227-2

In two lines

Graphic novels, manga and comics are increasingly used to teach ethics, and we reviewed the 26 studies that test them. They support reflection and reasoning, but only half the studies evaluated the teaching formally, ethical content was often left undefined, and interactive features were rare.

Abstract

Graphic novels are increasingly used in ethics education for their ability to convey complex issues through visual storytelling. This scoping review explores how graphic novels, manga, and comics are applied in ethics education, identifying key themes, teaching strategies, pedagogical impact, and research gaps. We followed PRISMA guidelines to review literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Thematic analysis, network analysis, and modularity clustering were used to categorize findings. From 26 included studies, graphic novels were shown to support ethical reflection, critical thinking, and reasoning. Most were used in formal education, though informal and hybrid settings were also noted. Interactive elements and feedback mechanisms were rarely implemented. Only half the studies included formal evaluation, and ethical domains were often undefined. Graphic novels are promising tools for ethics education. Future work should enhance interactivity, clarify ethical content, and improve evaluation strategies tailored to diverse learning contexts.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40889-025-00227-2

Cite

Rigter, F. H. W., Germani, F., Biller-Andorno, N., & Spitale, G. (2025). Frames of ethics: a systematic scoping review of graphic novels in ethics education. International Journal of Ethics Education, 11(1), 5-29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40889-025-00227-2
@article{rigter2025frames,
  author  = {Rigter, F. H. W. and Germani, F. and Biller-Andorno, N. and Spitale, G.},
  title   = {{Frames of ethics: a systematic scoping review of graphic novels in ethics education}},
  journal = {International Journal of Ethics Education},
  year    = {2025},
  volume  = {11},
  number  = {1},
  pages   = {5--29},
  doi     = {10.1007/s40889-025-00227-2}
}

Published in

International Journal of Ethics Education

Year

2025

DOI

10.1007/s40889-025-00227-2

Topics