Superhero Comics (Bloomsbury Comics Studies)

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 covers such topics as:·The history of superhero comics, from the early 'Golden Age' to blockbuster 21st-century adaptations·Cultural contexts – from anti-Nazi and Cold War politics to the rise of organized fandom and multi-media brand building·Key texts – from Superman, Batman and the Fantastic Four to the X-Men and Alan Moore's Watchmen·Important theoretical and critical approaches to superhero comicsSuperhero Comics 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.