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In this course we will first study comics mainly through the superhero genre and its critique through new versions of superheroes (Batman Returns, Watchmen, ….). Superheroes have been around with us for a long time. From Hercules to Achilles to Zorro to Superman and Wonder Woman, they entertain us yet they also move us and serve as strong models or counter-models. The persistence of their “myth” shows how meaningful they are.

In the first part of this course, after briefly studying the roots of superheroes in mythology, we will historicize the surrounding context/s of the traditional superhero figures like Superman, Batman, Wonder woman and Spiderman, whether it is social, political or historical (WWII, the 60s, the 80s, the 2000s) through diverse Cultural Studies readings.

In the second part of the course, we will cover some new comics models, such as the long-time ignored or marginalized heroes like Superheroines, more diverse ethnicities and non-American superheroes. For this second part, students in agreement with the instructor will choose and present one non-traditional hero from superheroines to various subcultures (gay, …) and “national” cultures (Japanese, Latin American, Chinese, Islamic cultures, …). This second part will also be open to non-superhero genres such as graphic novels, [auto]biographical comics, ... Finally, we will dedicate part of the class to stage David Belke’s play, Next Year’s Men of Steel.

Written final exam.

Textbooks

1. The Superhero Reader, Hatfield, Charles, UP Mississippi, 2013 DC 2014

2. Batman: Celebration 75 years, multiple, DC, 2014

3. Watchmen, Moore, Alan & Alii, DC 2013

4. Kamala Khan, Vol.1-No Normal, Willow Wilson & Alii, Marvel, 2014

5. Akira, Vol. 1, Otomo Katsuhiro, Kodansha Comics 2009

6. Astérix, Vol. 4 (with “The Olympic Games”), Goscinny & Uderzo, Orion, 2012.

7. Scott pilgrim, vol. 1, by O’Malley.