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Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men: Superman Comics and Masculinity





Above, Micheal Goebel from George Mason University explore dual identity and question of gender in Superman comics at the 2009 Florida Conference of Historian meeting. One of the most interesting things about Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men is how the contributors have applied the latest academic theory to the comic medium. Mike's contribution asks us to consider the implication of the blending of Clark Kent and Superman's traits in comic publications over the last decade and how that decision reflects deeper questions of changing views about masculinity in the United States. It should come as no surprise that such an analysis is possible, but two few cultural studies text has examine Superman in this light. Yet, a quick survey of Superman's iconic history reveals the link between the character's depictions and evolution of United States' social, political, and economic fortunes. Superman and other mainstream characters receive serious consideration in the pages of Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men. The aim is to allow those characters that the general public know to lead the reader into volume where they will discover analysis of lesser known characters. As a result, for every examination of Superman, we have articles that investigate genre conventions, race, or socioeconomic issues with the same aim of forcing the reader to consider the deeper meaning behind these funny books.

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