Super-History: Comic Book Superheroes and American Society, 1938 to the Present

My new book, Super-History: Comic Book Superheroes and American Society, 1938 to Present, came out last week and I am excited to finally see it in print. It is a social history of the U.S. from 1938 until 2010 using comic book superheroes as lenses through which to view society. It traces the changes in American society by showcasing these social and cultural transformations in superhero stories. There are a lot of books about comic books on the market but I think this is the first that tries to teach U.S. history by connecting real world events to the stories from the comic book pages. I’m very proud of how it turned out and I hope I can sell some copies now.

Super-history: Comic Book Superheroes and American Society, 1938 to the Present

I have a new book about comic book superheroes and U.S. history coming out in July. I’ll be writing more about it in the days to come. For now take a look at the book’s poster.

 

Comic Book Journal Article

I just had an article about comic book superheroes published in the Fall 2011 edition of Americana: The Journal of American Popular Culture. Check it out here.

Superheroes Fighter Breast Cancer and Poverty

Lately DC Comics and Marvel Comics superheroes have been fighting real world problems and not only battling comic book villains. In December, Wonder Woman, Storm, Catwoman, and She-Hulk were the focus of a Mozambique breast cancer screening advertising campaign.

College Humor’s “Hipster Superheroes”

A special alternative universe tale provided by College Humor. What if your favorite superheroes were hipsters?

Insane Comic Book Cover of the Day- December 23, 2010

   This J. Scott Campbell cover for Warlord of Mars #3 leaves many answered questions. Can you buy this outfit off the rack? What happens when it snows on Mars? Is that real gold?

What You Should be Reading- Last Days of American Crime

From time to time friends and acquaintances ask me what graphic novels they should be reading but haven’t heard about. I always throw out the classics; Watchmen, Dark Knight, Kingdom Come and the newer stuff; Fables, The Walking Dead, Y: the Last Man, 100 Bullets, etc. I rarely have a current selection that is easy for a new reader to get into and doesn’t have over eight volumes already on the shelf though.

Insane Comic Book Cover of the Day

Ivan Brunetti’s cover to Strange Tales II #3 is amazing. The super-cute cover depicts numerous Marvel characters working out at the gym.

Michigan State University Comics Forum 2011

Each year Michigan State University hosts a Comics Forum that brings together creators, academics, and fans. It also presents a wonderful opportunity to meet comic books artists, writers, and scholars and to learn more about the field. This year Nate Powell, author of Edible Secrets, will give the keynote address. The forum will take place on January 21st and 22nd.  If you are anywhere near East Lansing, Michigan I would strongly urge you to attend. It promises to be a fun and informative time.

Last Minute Popular Culture Geek Gift Ideas

Still looking for a last-minute gift idea for the geek in your life? Check out the five gift ideas below that would be certain to bring happiness to any fanboys/ fangirls in your life.