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OverviewAfter debuting in 1938, Superman soon became an American icon. But why has he maintained his iconic status for nearly 80 years? And how can he still be an American icon when the country itself has undergone so much change? Superman: Persistence of an American Icon examines the many iterations of the character in comic books, comic strips, radio series, movie serials, feature films, television shows, animation, toys, and collectibles over the past eight decades. Demonstrating how Superman’s iconic popularity cannot be attributed to any single creator or text, comics expert Ian Gordon embarks on a deeper consideration of cultural mythmaking as a collective and dynamic process. He also outlines the often contentious relationships between the various parties who have contributed to the Superman mythos, including corporate executives, comics writers, artists, nostalgic commentators, and collectors. Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of Superman’s appearances in comics and other media, Gordon also digs into comics archives to reveal the prominent role that fans have played in remembering, interpreting, and reimagining Superman’s iconography. Gordon considers how comics, film, and TV producers have taken advantage of fan engagement and nostalgia when selling Superman products. Investigating a character who is equally an icon of American culture, fan culture, and consumer culture, Superman thus offers a provocative analysis of mythmaking in the modern era. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Ian GordonPublisher: Rutgers University Press Imprint: Rutgers University Press Dimensions: Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.00cm , Length: 22.90cm Weight: 0.367kg ISBN: 9780813587516ISBN 10: 0813587514 Pages: 200 Publication Date: 13 February 2017 Recommended Age: From 16 to 99 years Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General , Tertiary & Higher Education Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print  This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsReviewsWith a fan's instincts and a scholar s passion, Ian Gordon delivers a highly readable and insightful treatment of the comic book and cinematic Superman, the most American of superheroes. --Viet Thanh Nguyen Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Sympathizer With a fan's instincts and a scholar's passion, Ian Gordon delivers a highly readable and insightful treatment of the comic book and cinematic Superman, the most American of superheroes. --Viet Thanh Nguyen Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Sympathizer This is the most thoughtful and thoroughly researched study about one of the most iconic characters of the last century. Ian Gordon - Superman expert - has produced a stellar book on Superman: his history and significance in popular culture; his cross-media and cross-generational reach; and his continued mythic significance for global culture. This is a must read for academics and fans alike! --Angela Ndalianis author of Batman: Myth and Superhero This startling new study brings a new perspective and shows us Superman as a process: a shared, and often fought-over, element of American culture. The next time I teach on Superman, or superheroes in general, this will be my go-to book. --Charles Hatfield author of Alternative Comics With a fan's instincts and a scholar's passion, Ian Gordon delivers a highly readable and insightful treatment of the comic book and cinematic Superman, the most American of superheroes. --Viet Thanh Nguyen Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Sympathizer This is the most thoughtful and thoroughly researched study about one of the most iconic characters of the last century. Ian Gordon - Superman expert - has produced a stellar book on Superman: his history and significance in popular culture; his cross-media and cross-generational reach; and his continued mythic significance for global culture. This is a must read for academics and fans alike! --Angela Ndalianis author of Batman: Myth and Superhero This startling new study brings a new perspective and shows us Superman as a process: a shared, and often fought-over, element of American culture. The next time I teach on Superman, or superheroes in general, this will be my go-to book. --Charles Hatfield author of Alternative Comics Included in The Top 75 Community College Titles: September Edition This is not just another superhero study; it is one of the most comprehensive, well-thought-out analyses of the Man of Steel. Concisely packed, this book covers all dimensions of Superman: mythos, history, ideology and morality, object of nostalgia, production, authorship, ownership, audiences, and brand. Superman: The Persistence of an American Icon is extraordinarily rich, the analysis is meticulously conceived and implemented, and the writing is clear and interesting, spiced with anecdotes, asides, and quotes. --John Lent, Temple University Choice360 This startling new study brings a new perspective and shows us Superman as aprocess: a shared, and often fought-over, element of American culture. Thenext time I teach on Superman, or superheroes in general, this will be my go-to book. --Charles Hatfield author of Alternative Comics This startling new study brings a new perspective and shows us Superman as a process: a shared, and often fought-over, element of American culture. The next time I teach on Superman, or superheroes in general, this will be my go-to book. --Charles Hatfield author of Alternative Comics This startling new study brings a new perspective and shows us Superman as aprocess: a shared, and often fought-over, element of American culture. Thenext time I teach on Superman, or superheroes in general, this will be my go-to book. --Charles Hatfield California State University - Northridge Highly recommended for scholars, nerds, and casual fans. -The Journal of American Culture Gordon displays his considerable skills as a media historian...[A] fine book. -Inks: The Journal of the Comics Studies Society Author InformationIAN GORDON is an associate professor of history at the National University of Singapore. His books include Comic Strips and Consumer Culture, Comics and Ideology and Film and Comic Books. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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