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Few scholars nursed on the literary canon would dispute that knowledge of Western literature benefits readers and writers of the superhero genre. This analysis of superhero comics as Romance literature shows that the reverse is true–knowledge of the superhero romance has something to teach critics of traditional literature. Establishing the comic genre as a cousin…
Superhero films are one of the most enduring genres of cinema, and their popularity is only increasing in the 21st century. These ten critical essays explore the phenomenon through the lenses of numerous academic disciplines, and cover topics such as the role of globalization in the formation of superhero narratives, the shifting nature of masculinity…
From 1985 to 1995, the syndicated comic strip Calvin and Hobbes followed the antics of a precocious six-year-old boy and his sardonic stuffed tiger. At the height of its popularity, the strip ran in more than 2,400 newspapers and generated a fan base that continues to run in the millions. This critical analysis of Calvin…
For decades, scholars have been making the connection between the design of the superhero story and the mythology of the ancient folktale. Moving beyond simple comparisons and common explanations, this volume details how the workings of the superhero comics industry and the conventions of the medium have developed a culture like that of traditional epic…
In the less than eight decades since Superman’s debut in 1938, comic book superheroes have become an indispensable part of American society and the nation’s dominant mythology. They represent America’s hopes, dreams, fears, and needs. As a form of popular literature, superhero narratives have closely mirrored trends and events in the nation. This study views…
This is a book about the comics genre and language, how these were used to create Batman, and how that character’s longevity is largely due to the medium’s unique formal qualities. It argues that Batman’s core appeal is his mythic nature which allows him to transcend changes in reader tastes, the vicissitudes of the comics…
Comic book audience expectations have fluctuated dramatically through the years, and comic book creators have had to adapt to shifting reader concerns. One of Marvel Comic’s most popular franchises for five decades, the Avengers have always been reflective of their times, having adapted to an evolving readership to remain relevant. This collection of fresh essays…
Superheroes are enjoying a cultural resurgence, dominating the box office and breaking out of specialty comics stores onto the shelves of mainstream retailers. A leading figure behind the superhero Renaissance is Grant Morrison, long-time architect of the DC Comics’ universe and author of many of the most successful comic books in recent years. Renowned for…
Billionaire industrialist, cold warrior, weapons designer, alcoholic, philanthropist, Avenger–Tony Stark, alter-ego of Marvel Comics’ Iron Man, has played many roles in his five decades as a superhero. From his 1963 comics debut in Tales of Suspense to the recent film adaptations–The Avengers (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013)–hundreds of creators have had a hand in writing…
One of the most popular comic strips of the 1950s and the first to reference politics of the day, Walt Kelly’s Pogo took on Joe McCarthy before the controversial senator was a blip on Edward R. Murrow’s radar. The strip’s satire was so biting, it was often relegated to newspaper editorial sections at a time…
The Incredible Hulk is one of the earliest Marvel Comics superheroes. Through the decades, the character and his narrative elements–the causes of Bruce Banner’s transformations, the Hulk’s strength, intelligence and skin color, the stories’ tone, theme and sources of conflict–have been continually reinvented to remain relevant. This collection of new essays explores Marvel’s more than…
Dick Grayson–alter-ego of the original Robin of Batman comics–has gone through various changes in his 75 years as a superhero but has remained the optimistic, humorous character readers first embraced in 1940. Predating Green Lantern and Wonder Woman, he is one of DC Comics’ oldest heroes and retains a large and loyal fanbase. The first…
First appearing in Marvel Comics in the 1960s, Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow, was introduced to movie audiences in Iron Man 2 (2010). Her character has grown in popularity with subsequent Marvel films, and fans have been vocal about wanting to see Black Widow in a titular role. Romanoff has potent appeal: a strong female…
For military cartoonists the absurdity of war inspires a laugh-or-cry response and provides an endless source of un-funny amusement. Cartoons by hundreds of artists-at-arms from more than a dozen countries and spanning two centuries are included in this study–the first to consider such a broad range of military comics. War and military life are examined…
The most complete book ever written on Disney character animation from the 1920s through the 1970s–by two long-term animators and Disney Legends. This delightful inside story describes the evolution of the animation art from and the ways Disney characters got their unique personalities. Authors Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston worked with Walt Disney and other…
An engaging insider’s celebration of Captain America’s seminal comic book stories over the comic book’s 80 year run, including all things Cap: his character’s origin; various significant storylines over the decades; and his importance as a cultural icon in today’s wildly popular superhero climate. Captain America explores the phenomenon of one of Marvel Comics’s most…
