'Nuff Said: American Graphic Media

The idea of a Rescue movie would be an interesting to get Paltrow fans into the theater, but in terms of the wider cinematic universe, it is not that great of an idea.  A better idea would be a Rescue television series.

I'm sorry that Static Shock isn't going to continue within the New 52 .  While diversity has been one of the themes of DC Comics relaunch event, it hasn't been successful on all fronts.  Should we dismissed the overall focus on expanding the narrative universe?  I don't think that would be fair. While Scott McDaniel has spoken of classic problems associated with Static Shock's overall placement within the New 52, there is no question the editorial mandate at DC has been to broaden representation. Even with criticism associated with sexism and lack of female creators , in a medium heavily dependent on the visual, there are more characters of color and greater emphasis on diverse sexual orientation for the audience, which remains primarily male and white, to see and reconcile within their worldview. The disappointment in the failure of Static Shock has everything to do with the historic nature of the character. One of Milestone Media's original titles...

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 o...

One question that must be answered when considering a critical anthology like Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men is how, especially for the broader public, will you (editors) address crucial issues. The decision to focus on comics and comic book culture alone creates resistance, thus it is important to have a strong thematic framework to guide the construction of the volume. For Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men our aim is to examine the the superhero genre because it highlights the struggle between American ideas and shifting social, political, and economic realties. Without question some points touched on in this volume, such as Superman’s class and ethnic symbolism are the gist of academic debate. Yet, this volume differs because of its innovative examination of race, gender, and ideology in comics through a wider examination of comic characters and comic forms. If you question the importance of comics, the success of recent comic book movies and the perception that “comic book values” are...

"Nuff Said is gearing up for the Spring by changing its colors. Regardless, we are still focused on comic books and comics culture in all forms. This week's update, and I hope to keep the update coming on a weekly basis, is about Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men . As I mentioned, the 2009 Florida Conference of Historians conference was the first ever face to face with contributors to the volume. So, for those of you who made it, great to meet you:) For those you who did not, here are some of the people you missed. A ges of Heroes, Eras of Men --FCH Contributor Interview: Claire Jenkins Education: PhD Film Studies, Warwick University, UK MA Film Studies, 2005, Reading University, UK BA (hons) Media Arts, 2003, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK