Comic books aren’t just for kids anymore.

The Lawrence Public Library and Lawrence Magazine at 6:30 p.m. Thursday will host a two-part lecture called “A Visual History of Comics” that approaches comic books from an academic and visual perspective.

“People who are into comic books are dying to have someone talk about the subject with seriousness, rather than Jimmy Kimmel putting on a superhero suit and running down Hollywood Boulevard,” said Jai Nitz, Kansas University lecturer and comic book author, who will lead the lecture. “It’s the perfect skeleton key to get more people into the library and reading.”

A lecture on comic books would not be complete without a visual aspect. While Nitz speaks, graphic novel artist Greg Smallwood will illustrate the conversation in real time.

Nitz and Smallwood are collaborating on a yet-to-be-named graphic novel, which they will also discuss at the lecture. The event is free and open to all ages, but the second part may only be suitable for “PG-13” audiences, as Nitz’s and Smallwood’s upcoming work has mature themes.

The event is the first of the library’s and Lawrence Magazine’s “About Lawrence” series. Every three months the library will work with the magazine to bring in local authors to speak about projects and relevant subjects of interest to the community.

“It’s kind of a way to tie interesting locals and authors together,” adult program librarian Rachel Smalter Hall said. “If you are really interested in the Lawrence scene, it’s a good thing to have on your radar.”

Hall expects the event, held at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt., to last around two hours.