Book

The superhero symbol : media, culture, and politics

Burke, Liam (Liam P.), editor, Gordon, Ian, 1954- editor, Ndalianis, Angela, 1960- editor

Overview

\"\"As a man, I'm flesh and blood, I can be ignored, I can be destroyed; but as a symbol... as a symbol I can be incorruptible, I can be everlasting\". In the 2005 reboot of the then dormant Batman film franchise, Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne articulates how the figure of the superhero can serve as a transcendent icon. It is hard to imagine a time when superheroes have been more pervasive in our culture. Today, superheroes are intellectual property jealously guarded by media conglomerates, icons co-opted by grassroots groups as a four-color rebuttal to social inequities, masks people wear to more confidently walk convention floors and city streets, and bulletproof banners that embody regional and national identities. From activism to cosplay, understanding how these different groups and interests have made use of this powerful icon is essential to unmasking the appeal of superheroes and their wider impact. To address this interest, The Superhero Symbol brings together scholars from a range of disciplines, alongside key industry figures. Collectively, these contributions provide fresh perspectives on how these costume-clad heroes have engaged with media, culture, and politics, thereby becoming the \"everlasting\" symbols to which a wayward Bruce Wayne once aspired\"-- Provided by publisher.

• Publisher: Rutgers University Press
• Subject: Superheroes Social aspects. / Comic books, strips, etc History and criticism. / Comic strip characters in motion pictures. / Superhero films History and criticism. / Superheroes in literature. / Heroes in motion pictures. / Heroes in mass media.
• ISBN: 9780813597171, 081359717X, 9780813597164, 0813597161

Item info:

1 item available

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Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
PN6714.S83 2020	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE