The social meaning of comics and movies made from comics will the topic of a panel discussion on Saturday.

Entitled “Who Is That Masked Man?,” the discussion is at 2 p.m. in the West Library orientation room. It is free and open to the public.

Kaeli Vandertulip, assistant professor of library science, said she came up with the idea for the panel when she was planning upcoming Worth Reading events.

“Each of us will be looking at comic books from various perspectives, based on life experience, research interests, and fields of study, “ Vandertulip said. “Many of our comments aren’t strictly about just comic books – they are one aspect of media, which is one aspect of culture at large.”

In addition to Vandertulip, panel members include Dr. Matthew Hand, assistant professor of psychology; Dr. Eddy Lynton, assistant professor of criminal justice and sociology; Dr. Cary Adkinson, assistant professor of criminal justice; and Jon Bartlett, assistant dean of students/director of residence life.

Vandertulip said at least 30 films based on comic books from DC and Marvel are scheduled for release in the next five years.

“That doesn’t include all the TV shows based on comics and none of this counts graphic novels,” she said. “Comic books have become a wildly popular and influential, especially since the first X-Men release.”