For one of my courses, we are expected to write a research essay on either a linguistic or a literary topic. Since I am more interested in Literature, I opted for the latter. I was able to get consent for the following topic for my research paper: The Literary potential of Comics. Basically, I will try to analyse which comics have which literary elements in them, and should, therefore be considered as Literature. This list isn;t limited to merely comics, but also includes writers and how they are involved with comics.

Among the list I have so far are the following:

-Kingdom Come: Duh. Deconstruction of the superhero genre, plus allusion to biblical themes.)
-Watchmen: Also, Duh. Agan, deconstruction, but also the clash between different philosophies: Dr. Manhattan VS. Rorschach)
-Brian Michael Bendis: Decompression
-Grant Morrison: Fourth Wall, Metacontextual analysis. Modern/Post-modern
-Civil War: Reflexion on Contemporary themes

Any other topics you might think are worth considering?

All three of Scott McCloud's "...Comics" books.

Transmet, and Sandman as longform "serialized" novels. Modern Scifi/Mythology

Warren Ellis's collection of Essays "come alone" is also a phenomenal resource for analyzing comics and its potential as a medium.

Are they about comics? In that case, it would be perfect for use as secundairy literature.

I take it "Sandman" refers to the Neil Gaiman version? And Transmet to Transmetropolitan, Ellis?

yes yes and yes.
Scott Mcloud "Understanding Comics" is essential to ANY/EVERY comics reader.

#1 UNDERSTANDING

#3 MAKING

And to a lesser extent:
#2 REINVENTING

Also dont forget MAUS (Spigleman)

cant go wrong with Miller's DK Returns, or with any of Eisner's "SPIRIT" collections.
CONTRACT WITH GOD also by Eisner, is also generally considered the first official "Graphic Novel"

Thanks!

Ofocurse, MAUS. Nearly forgot about that. Would be perfect. Plus, good excuse to finally get my hands on it.

I think V for Vendetta could go on your list for the contemporary themes instead of Civil War. It's more of a classic, and is more widely known thanks to the movie.