Robin S. Rosenberg - Böcker

Superhero fans can be found everywhere, from the teeming halls of Comic Con to suburban movie theaters and the young children captivated by their first comic books to the die-hard collectors of vintage memorabilia. Why are so many people fascinated by superheroes? In this thoughtful, engaging, and intelligent collection, editor Robin Rosenberg -- psychologist, writer, and well-known expert on the psychology of superheroes -- compiles essays by some of the world's leading scholars to address our relationships with superheroes (and supervillains) as well as the humanity of superheroes. How do characters and stories reflect human nature? Are superhero stories moral or immoral? How do superheroes' work lives compare to our work lives? What is the role of justice in superhero worlds? Finally, are superhero stories good for us? These questions and many more are addressed in this illuminating new book.

What is a superhero? Everyone knows, right? And yet everyone seems to have a different answer. If asked, most people will say that a superhero is a fictional character with "superhuman" abilities or powers -- and one who uses those abilities for the common good. Some might add that superheroes wear costumes. But this is only part of the story.In this innovative collection of essays, renowned psychologist Robin Rosenberg and comics scholar Peter Coogan explore the question "What is a superhero?" from a variety of viewpoints. What is the role of power and superpower? Heroism? The environment? How is the superhero a metaphor? Perhaps most intriguing, what are supervillains and why do we need them? These and many other fascinating topics are taken up in this exciting new book. With essays from scholars and commentary by the writers and creators themselves, including exclusive material from Stan Lee, Danny Fingeroth, and their peers, What is a Superhero? is the first volume to provide a true synthesis and reflection of the state of superheroes in our culture today.