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

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.