Bloomsbury Comics Studies – serie

A wide-ranging introductory guide for readers making their first steps into the world of manga, this book helps readers explore the full range of Japanese comic styles, forms and traditions from its earliest texts to the internationally popular comics of the 21st century.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers:· The history of Japanese comics, from influences in early visual culture to the global ‘Manga Boom’ of the 1990s to the present· Case studies of texts reflecting the range of themes, genres, forms and creators, including Osamu Tezuka, Machiko Hasegawa and Katsuhiro Otomo· Key themes and contexts – from gender and sexuality, to history and censorship· Critical approaches to manga, including definitions, biography and reception and global publishing contextsThe book includes a bibliography of essential critical writing on manga, discussion questions for classroom use and a glossary of key critical terms.

A complete critical guide to the history, form and contexts of the genre, Children’s and Young Adult Comics helps readers explore how comics have engaged with one of their most crucial audiences.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as:- The history of comics for children and young adults, from early cartoon strips to the rise of comics as mainstream children’s literature - Cultural contexts – from the Comics Code Authority to graphic novel adaptations of popular children’s texts such as Neil Gaiman’s Coraline- Key texts – from familiar favourites like Peanuts and Archie Comics to YA graphic novels such as Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese and hybrid works including the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series- Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying children’s and young adult comics Children’s and Young Adult Comics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms and a lengthy resources section to help students and readers develop their understanding of these genres and pursue independent study.

A complete critical guide to the history, form and contexts of the genre, Children’s and Young Adult Comics helps readers explore how comics have engaged with one of their most crucial audiences.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as:- The history of comics for children and young adults, from early cartoon strips to the rise of comics as mainstream children’s literature - Cultural contexts – from the Comics Code Authority to graphic novel adaptations of popular children’s texts such as Neil Gaiman’s Coraline- Key texts – from familiar favourites like Peanuts and Archie Comics to YA graphic novels such as Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese and hybrid works including the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series- Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying children’s and young adult comics Children’s and Young Adult Comics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms and a lengthy resources section to help students and readers develop their understanding of these genres and pursue independent study.

A complete critical guide to the history, form and contexts of the genre, Children''s and Young Adult Comics helps readers explore how comics have engaged with one of their most crucial audiences. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as: - The history of comics for children and young adults, from early cartoon strips to the rise of comics as mainstream children''s literature - Cultural contexts – from the Comics Code Authority to graphic novel adaptations of popular children''s texts such as Neil Gaiman''s Coraline - Key texts – from familiar favourites like Peanuts and Archie Comics to YA graphic novels such as Gene Luen Yang''s American Born Chinese and hybrid works including the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series - Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying children''s and young adult comics Children''s and Young Adult Comics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms and a lengthy resources section to help students and readers develop their understanding of these genres and pursue independent study.

A complete critical guide to the history, form and contexts of the genre, Children''s and Young Adult Comics helps readers explore how comics have engaged with one of their most crucial audiences. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as: - The history of comics for children and young adults, from early cartoon strips to the rise of comics as mainstream children''s literature - Cultural contexts – from the Comics Code Authority to graphic novel adaptations of popular children''s texts such as Neil Gaiman''s Coraline - Key texts – from familiar favourites like Peanuts and Archie Comics to YA graphic novels such as Gene Luen Yang''s American Born Chinese and hybrid works including the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series - Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying children''s and young adult comics Children''s and Young Adult Comics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms and a lengthy resources section to help students and readers develop their understanding of these genres and pursue independent study.

**Nominated for the 2021 Eisner Award for Best Academic/Scholarly Work**The first critical guide to cover the history, form and key critical issues of the medium, Webcomics helps readers explore the diverse and increasingly popular worlds of online comics.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as:·The history of webcomics and how developments in technology from the 1980s onwards presented new opportunities for comics creators and audiences ·Cultural contexts – from the new financial and business models allowed by digital media to social justice causes in contemporary webcomics·Key texts – from early examples of the form such as Girl Genius and Penny Arcade to popular current titles such as Questionable Content and Dumbing of Age·Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying webcomics Webcomics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms, annotated guides to further reading, and online resources and discussion questions to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.

**Nominated for the 2021 Eisner Award for Best Academic/Scholarly Work**The first critical guide to cover the history, form and key critical issues of the medium, Webcomics helps readers explore the diverse and increasingly popular worlds of online comics.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as:·The history of webcomics and how developments in technology from the 1980s onwards presented new opportunities for comics creators and audiences ·Cultural contexts – from the new financial and business models allowed by digital media to social justice causes in contemporary webcomics·Key texts – from early examples of the form such as Girl Genius and Penny Arcade to popular current titles such as Questionable Content and Dumbing of Age·Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying webcomics Webcomics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms, annotated guides to further reading, and online resources and discussion questions to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.

**Nominated for the 2021 Eisner Award for Best Academic/Scholarly Work**The first critical guide to cover the history, form and key critical issues of the medium, Webcomics helps readers explore the diverse and increasingly popular worlds of online comics. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as: ·The history of webcomics and how developments in technology from the 1980s onwards presented new opportunities for comics creators and audiences ·Cultural contexts – from the new financial and business models allowed by digital media to social justice causes in contemporary webcomics ·Key texts – from early examples of the form such as Girl Genius and Penny Arcade to popular current titles such as Questionable Content and Dumbing of Age ·Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying webcomics Webcomics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms, annotated guides to further reading, and online resources and discussion questions to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.

**Nominated for the 2021 Eisner Award for Best Academic/Scholarly Work**The first critical guide to cover the history, form and key critical issues of the medium, Webcomics helps readers explore the diverse and increasingly popular worlds of online comics. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as: ·The history of webcomics and how developments in technology from the 1980s onwards presented new opportunities for comics creators and audiences ·Cultural contexts – from the new financial and business models allowed by digital media to social justice causes in contemporary webcomics ·Key texts – from early examples of the form such as Girl Genius and Penny Arcade to popular current titles such as Questionable Content and Dumbing of Age ·Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying webcomics Webcomics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms, annotated guides to further reading, and online resources and discussion questions to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.

A complete guide to the comics work of the writer Alan Moore, this book helps readers explore one of the genre’s most important, compelling and subversive writers.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers:· Moore’s comics career – from his early work in 2000AD to his breakthrough graphic novels and his later battles with the industry· Moore’s major works – including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Saga of the Swamp Thing and Promethea· Key themes and contexts – from Moore’s subversion of the superhero genre and metafictional techniques to his creative collaborations and battles with the industry for creator control· Critical approaches to Moore’s workThe book includes a bibliography of critical work on Moore and discussion questions for classroom use.

A complete guide to the comics work of the writer Alan Moore, this book helps readers explore one of the genre’s most important, compelling and subversive writers.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers:· Moore’s comics career – from his early work in 2000AD to his breakthrough graphic novels and his later battles with the industry· Moore’s major works – including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Saga of the Swamp Thing and Promethea· Key themes and contexts – from Moore’s subversion of the superhero genre and metafictional techniques to his creative collaborations and battles with the industry for creator control· Critical approaches to Moore’s workThe book includes a bibliography of critical work on Moore and discussion questions for classroom use.

A complete guide to the comics work of the writer Alan Moore, this book helps readers explore one of the genre''s most important, compelling and subversive writers. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers:· Moore''s comics career – from his early work in 2000AD to his breakthrough graphic novels and his later battles with the industry· Moore''s major works – including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Saga of the Swamp Thing and Promethea· Key themes and contexts – from Moore''s subversion of the superhero genre and metafictional techniques to his creative collaborations and battles with the industry for creator control· Critical approaches to Moore''s workThe book includes a bibliography of critical work on Moore and discussion questions for classroom use.

A complete guide to the comics work of the writer Alan Moore, this book helps readers explore one of the genre''s most important, compelling and subversive writers. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers:· Moore''s comics career – from his early work in 2000AD to his breakthrough graphic novels and his later battles with the industry· Moore''s major works – including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Saga of the Swamp Thing and Promethea· Key themes and contexts – from Moore''s subversion of the superhero genre and metafictional techniques to his creative collaborations and battles with the industry for creator control· Critical approaches to Moore''s workThe book includes a bibliography of critical work on Moore and discussion questions for classroom use.

A wide-ranging introductory guide for readers making their first steps into the world of manga, this book helps readers move beyond manga available in translation to more fully explore the incredible diversity of Japanese comics styles, forms and traditions from its earliest texts to the internationally popular comics of the 21st century.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers:· A history of Japanese comics, from their emergence within modern print culture, through their astounding growth as an industry and diversification in form in the second half of the 20th century, and on to the present· Case studies of texts reflecting the range of themes, genres, forms and creators, including Osamu Tezuka, Machiko Hasegawa and Katsuhiro Otomo· Key themes and contexts – from gender and sexuality, to history and censorship· Critical approaches to manga, including definitions, biography and reception and global publishing contextsThe book includes a bibliography of essential critical writing on manga, discussion questions for classroom use and a glossary of key critical terms.

A wide-ranging introductory guide for readers making their first steps into the world of manga, this book helps readers explore the full range of Japanese comic styles, forms and traditions from its earliest texts to the internationally popular comics of the 21st century. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers:· The history of Japanese comics, from influences in early visual culture to the global ''Manga Boom'' of the 1990s to the present· Case studies of texts reflecting the range of themes, genres, forms and creators, including Osamu Tezuka, Machiko Hasegawa and Katsuhiro Otomo· Key themes and contexts – from gender and sexuality, to history and censorship· Critical approaches to manga, including definitions, biography and reception and global publishing contextsThe book includes a bibliography of essential critical writing on manga, discussion questions for classroom use and a glossary of key critical terms.

A wide-ranging introductory guide for readers making their first steps into the world of manga, this book helps readers explore the full range of Japanese comic styles, forms and traditions from its earliest texts to the internationally popular comics of the 21st century. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers:· The history of Japanese comics, from influences in early visual culture to the global ''Manga Boom'' of the 1990s to the present· Case studies of texts reflecting the range of themes, genres, forms and creators, including Osamu Tezuka, Machiko Hasegawa and Katsuhiro Otomo· Key themes and contexts – from gender and sexuality, to history and censorship· Critical approaches to manga, including definitions, biography and reception and global publishing contextsThe book includes a bibliography of essential critical writing on manga, discussion questions for classroom use and a glossary of key critical terms.

The most up-to-date critical guide mapping the history, impact, key critical issues, and seminal texts of the genre, Jewish Comics and Graphic Narratives interrogates what makes a work a "Jewish graphic narrative", and explores the form’s diverse facets to orient readers to the richness and complexity of Jewish graphic storytelling. Accessible but comprehensive and in an easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as:- The history of the genre in the US and Israel - and its relationship to superheroes, Underground Comix, and Jewish literature- Social and cultural discussions surrounding the legitimization of graphic representation as sites of trauma, understandings of gender, mixed-media in Jewish graphic novels, and the study of these works in the classroom- Critical explorations of graphic narratives about the Holocaust, Israel, the diasporic experience, Judaism, and autobiography and memoir- The works of Will Eisner, Ilana Zeffren, James Sturm, Joann Sfar, JT Waldman, Michel Kichka, Sarah Glidden, Rutu Modan, and Art Spiegelman and such narratives as X Men, Anne Frank’s Diary, and Maus Jewish Comics and Graphic Novels includes an appendix of relevant works sorted by genre, a glossary of crucial critical terms, and close readings of key texts to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.

The most up-to-date critical guide mapping the history, impact, key critical issues, and seminal texts of the genre, Jewish Comics and Graphic Narratives interrogates what makes a work a "Jewish graphic narrative", and explores the form’s diverse facets to orient readers to the richness and complexity of Jewish graphic storytelling. Accessible but comprehensive and in an easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as:- The history of the genre in the US and Israel - and its relationship to superheroes, Underground Comix, and Jewish literature- Social and cultural discussions surrounding the legitimization of graphic representation as sites of trauma, understandings of gender, mixed-media in Jewish graphic novels, and the study of these works in the classroom- Critical explorations of graphic narratives about the Holocaust, Israel, the diasporic experience, Judaism, and autobiography and memoir- The works of Will Eisner, Ilana Zeffren, James Sturm, Joann Sfar, JT Waldman, Michel Kichka, Sarah Glidden, Rutu Modan, and Art Spiegelman and such narratives as X Men, Anne Frank’s Diary, and Maus Jewish Comics and Graphic Novels includes an appendix of relevant works sorted by genre, a glossary of crucial critical terms, and close readings of key texts to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.

The most up-to-date critical guide mapping the history, impact, key critical issues, and seminal texts of the genre, Jewish Comics and Graphic Narratives interrogates what makes a work a "Jewish graphic narrative", and explores the form''s diverse facets to orient readers to the richness and complexity of Jewish graphic storytelling. Accessible but comprehensive and in an easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as:- The history of the genre in the US and Israel - and its relationship to superheroes, Underground Comix, and Jewish literature- Social and cultural discussions surrounding the legitimization of graphic representation as sites of trauma, understandings of gender, mixed-media in Jewish graphic novels, and the study of these works in the classroom- Critical explorations of graphic narratives about the Holocaust, Israel, the diasporic experience, Judaism, and autobiography and memoir- The works of Will Eisner, Ilana Zeffren, James Sturm, Joann Sfar, JT Waldman, Michel Kichka, Sarah Glidden, Rutu Modan, and Art Spiegelman and such narratives as X Men, Anne Frank''s Diary, and Maus Jewish Comics and Graphic Novels includes an appendix of relevant works sorted by genre, a glossary of crucial critical terms, and close readings of key texts to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.

The most up-to-date critical guide mapping the history, impact, key critical issues, and seminal texts of the genre, Jewish Comics and Graphic Narratives interrogates what makes a work a "Jewish graphic narrative", and explores the form''s diverse facets to orient readers to the richness and complexity of Jewish graphic storytelling. Accessible but comprehensive and in an easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as:- The history of the genre in the US and Israel - and its relationship to superheroes, Underground Comix, and Jewish literature- Social and cultural discussions surrounding the legitimization of graphic representation as sites of trauma, understandings of gender, mixed-media in Jewish graphic novels, and the study of these works in the classroom- Critical explorations of graphic narratives about the Holocaust, Israel, the diasporic experience, Judaism, and autobiography and memoir- The works of Will Eisner, Ilana Zeffren, James Sturm, Joann Sfar, JT Waldman, Michel Kichka, Sarah Glidden, Rutu Modan, and Art Spiegelman and such narratives as X Men, Anne Frank''s Diary, and Maus Jewish Comics and Graphic Novels includes an appendix of relevant works sorted by genre, a glossary of crucial critical terms, and close readings of key texts to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.

A complete introduction to the comics and graphic narratives of Lynda Barry, this book maps the historical and biographical contexts, key texts, the critical themes and debates surrounding her publications and the lasting impact of her work on the comics medium. With a distinctive body of work that unfolded during key moments in comics history from the much touted and criticized ‘coming-of-age’ of comics to the rise of underground and alternative comics and the establishment of graphic novels, Barry’s comics reflect the changing status of comics, while unpacking the very constituents of the medium and testing its limits.Comprehensive and conveying specialist knowledge while remaining highly readable, Lynda Barry: A Critical Guide covers:- comics history from an alternative perspective, focusing on issues of intersectionality and representation- Barry’s major works including One Hundred Demons, What It Is, Making Comics, Syllabus, Cruddy and her comic strip Ernie Pook's Comeek- broad and salient themes in Barry’s work including memory, girlhood/womanhood, childhood, art pedagogy, creativity, overcoming creative anxieties, visual paper culture and the possibilities of drawing and collaging- Barry’s materialities and her use of collage and art brut practices- Barry's prompts to creativity and connection and how they highlight the collaborative and accessible dimension of comicsCombining rich insights from comics studies, literary theory and visual culture, this is the ultimate guide to Lynda Barry and her oeuvre. This critical guide exemplifies the diverse ways of approaching comics, combining existing methodologies with novel possibilities inspired from the originality of Barry’s work.

A complete introduction to the comics and graphic narratives of Lynda Barry, this book maps the historical and biographical contexts, key texts, the critical themes and debates surrounding her publications and the lasting impact of her work on the comics medium. With a distinctive body of work that unfolded during key moments in comics history from the much touted and criticized ‘coming-of-age’ of comics to the rise of underground and alternative comics and the establishment of graphic novels, Barry’s comics reflect the changing status of comics, while unpacking the very constituents of the medium and testing its limits.Comprehensive and conveying specialist knowledge while remaining highly readable, Lynda Barry: A Critical Guide covers:- comics history from an alternative perspective, focusing on issues of intersectionality and representation- Barry’s major works including One Hundred Demons, What It Is, Making Comics, Syllabus, Cruddy and her comic strip Ernie Pook's Comeek- broad and salient themes in Barry’s work including memory, girlhood/womanhood, childhood, art pedagogy, creativity, overcoming creative anxieties, visual paper culture and the possibilities of drawing and collaging- Barry’s materialities and her use of collage and art brut practices- Barry's prompts to creativity and connection and how they highlight the collaborative and accessible dimension of comicsCombining rich insights from comics studies, literary theory and visual culture, this is the ultimate guide to Lynda Barry and her oeuvre. This critical guide exemplifies the diverse ways of approaching comics, combining existing methodologies with novel possibilities inspired from the originality of Barry’s work.

A complete introduction to the comics and graphic narratives of Lynda Barry, this book maps the historical and biographical contexts, key texts, the critical themes and debates surrounding her publications and the lasting impact of her work on the comics medium. With a distinctive body of work that unfolded during key moments in comics history from the much touted and criticized 'coming-of-age' of comics to the rise of underground and alternative comics and the establishment of graphic novels, Barry's comics reflect the changing status of comics, while unpacking the very constituents of the medium and testing its limits. Comprehensive and conveying specialist knowledge while remaining highly readable, Lynda Barry: A Critical Guide covers: - comics history from an alternative perspective, focusing on issues of intersectionality and representation - Barry's major works including One Hundred Demons, What It Is, Making Comics, Syllabus, Cruddy and her comic strip Ernie Pook's Comeek - broad and salient themes in Barry's work including memory, girlhood/womanhood, childhood, art pedagogy, creativity, overcoming creative anxieties, visual paper culture and the possibilities of drawing and collaging- Barry's materialities and her use of collage and art brut practices - Barry's prompts to creativity and connection and how they highlight the collaborative and accessible dimension of comics Combining rich insights from comics studies, literary theory and visual culture, this is the ultimate guide to Lynda Barry and her oeuvre. This critical guide exemplifies the diverse ways of approaching comics, combining existing methodologies with novel possibilities inspired from the originality of Barry's work.

A complete introduction to the comics and graphic narratives of Lynda Barry, this book maps the historical and biographical contexts, key texts, the critical themes and debates surrounding her publications and the lasting impact of her work on the comics medium. With a distinctive body of work that unfolded during key moments in comics history from the much touted and criticized 'coming-of-age' of comics to the rise of underground and alternative comics and the establishment of graphic novels, Barry's comics reflect the changing status of comics, while unpacking the very constituents of the medium and testing its limits. Comprehensive and conveying specialist knowledge while remaining highly readable, Lynda Barry: A Critical Guide covers: - comics history from an alternative perspective, focusing on issues of intersectionality and representation - Barry's major works including One Hundred Demons, What It Is, Making Comics, Syllabus, Cruddy and her comic strip Ernie Pook's Comeek - broad and salient themes in Barry's work including memory, girlhood/womanhood, childhood, art pedagogy, creativity, overcoming creative anxieties, visual paper culture and the possibilities of drawing and collaging- Barry's materialities and her use of collage and art brut practices - Barry's prompts to creativity and connection and how they highlight the collaborative and accessible dimension of comics Combining rich insights from comics studies, literary theory and visual culture, this is the ultimate guide to Lynda Barry and her oeuvre. This critical guide exemplifies the diverse ways of approaching comics, combining existing methodologies with novel possibilities inspired from the originality of Barry's work.

An international and intersectional introduction mapping the history, impact, key critical issues and seminal texts of the genre, Queer Comics looks at queer creators and queer content in graphic narratives beyond . Not advocating for a canon but instead offering new avenues for exploration beyond what has thus far been very US-focused, this book surveys the queer experience, looks at the genre as a queering of an already queer medium and dives into how it can speak to all communities.Accessible and inclusive in the easy-to-navigate structure of the Bloomsbury Comics Studies series, the book covers: - A broader cultural landscape beyond American underground comix including manga, pornography, Tijuana Bibles, contemporary webcomics, zines, children's and YA comics and adult graphic memoirs.- key texts by creators such as Alison Bechdel, Howard Cruise, Yamaji Ebine, Crystal Frasier, Megan Rose Gedris, Kay O'Neill, Jem Yoshioka and Tab Kimpton among many others- Themes from censorship, stereotypes and queer coding to explicit material and reclaiming the queer monster- Critical ideas linked to the genre, including visibility and erasure, binaries, self and mainstream publishing. Taking a lead from queer and comics studies, the book also features a glossary of crucial terms and resources for further reading.

An international and intersectional introduction mapping the history, impact, key critical issues and seminal texts of the genre, Queer Comics looks at queer creators and queer content in graphic narratives beyond . Not advocating for a canon but instead offering new avenues for exploration beyond what has thus far been very US-focused, this book surveys the queer experience, looks at the genre as a queering of an already queer medium and dives into how it can speak to all communities.Accessible and inclusive in the easy-to-navigate structure of the Bloomsbury Comics Studies series, the book covers: - A broader cultural landscape beyond American underground comix including manga, pornography, Tijuana Bibles, contemporary webcomics, zines, children's and YA comics and adult graphic memoirs.- key texts by creators such as Alison Bechdel, Howard Cruise, Yamaji Ebine, Crystal Frasier, Megan Rose Gedris, Kay O'Neill, Jem Yoshioka and Tab Kimpton among many others- Themes from censorship, stereotypes and queer coding to explicit material and reclaiming the queer monster- Critical ideas linked to the genre, including visibility and erasure, binaries, self and mainstream publishing. Taking a lead from queer and comics studies, the book also features a glossary of crucial terms and resources for further reading.

A complete guide to the history, form and contexts of the genre, Superhero Comics helps readers explore the most successful and familiar of comic book genres.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book reveals:·The history of superhero comics—from mythic influences to 21st century evolutions·Cultural contexts—from the formative politics of colonialism, eugenics, KKK vigilantism, and WWII fascism to the Cold War’s transformative threat of mutually assured destruction to the on-going revolutions in African American and sexual representation·Key texts—from the earliest pre-Comics-Code Superman and Batman to the latest post-Code Ms. Marvel and Black Panther·Approaches to visual analysis—from layout norms to narrative structure to styles of abstraction

A complete guide to the history, form and contexts of the genre, Superhero Comics helps readers explore the most successful and familiar of comic book genres.In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book reveals:·The history of superhero comics—from mythic influences to 21st century evolutions·Cultural contexts—from the formative politics of colonialism, eugenics, KKK vigilantism, and WWII fascism to the Cold War’s transformative threat of mutually assured destruction to the on-going revolutions in African American and sexual representation·Key texts—from the earliest pre-Comics-Code Superman and Batman to the latest post-Code Ms. Marvel and Black Panther·Approaches to visual analysis—from layout norms to narrative structure to styles of abstraction

A complete guide to the history, form and contexts of the genre, Superhero Comics helps readers explore the most successful and familiar of comic book genres. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book reveals: ·The history of superhero comics-from mythic influences to 21st century evolutions·Cultural contexts-from the formative politics of colonialism, eugenics, KKK vigilantism, and WWII fascism to the Cold War''s transformative threat of mutually assured destruction to the on-going revolutions in African American and sexual representation·Key texts-from the earliest pre-Comics-Code Superman and Batman to the latest post-Code Ms. Marvel and Black Panther·Approaches to visual analysis-from layout norms to narrative structure to styles of abstraction