When writing about comic strips, you may be wondering whether or not to italicize their titles. This is a common question, and the answer can vary depending on the style guide you follow. Let’s take a closer look at the different guidelines and options available.
AP Style
According to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, comic strip titles should be enclosed in quotation marks rather than italicized. For example, “Garfield” or “Peanuts” would be correct according to AP style.
Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), on the other hand, recommends italicizing comic strip titles. For example, Garfield or Peanuts would be correct according to CMS style.
MLA Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) format also recommends italicizing comic strip titles as well as surrounding them with quotation marks. For example, “Garfield” or Peanuts would be correct according to MLA style.
APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) does not have a specific rule for comic strip titles. However, they do recommend italicizing book and publication titles as well as using quotation marks for article and chapter titles. Therefore, it is likely that they would recommend italicizing comic strip titles as well.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it is up to you to choose which style guide to follow when writing about comic strips. However, it is important to remain consistent throughout your writing.
- If you decide to use AP style and enclose comic strip titles in quotation marks, make sure you do so consistently.
- If you decide to use CMS style and italicize comic strip titles, make sure you do so consistently.
- If you decide to use MLA style and both italicize and enclose comic strip titles in quotation marks, make sure you do so consistently.
- If you decide to use APA style and italicize comic strip titles, make sure you do so consistently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not to italicize comic strip titles depends on the style guide you follow. AP style recommends using quotation marks, while CMS and MLA styles recommend italicizing.
APA style does not have a specific rule for comic strip titles but recommends italicizing other types of titles. Whichever style guide you choose to follow, it is important to remain consistent throughout your writing for clarity and professionalism.