There is no doubt that academics have a very particular view of the world. The public can be dismissive of academic writing and thought because they "live in an ivory tower." People tend to forget the purpose of the "ivory tower" is to allow some small part of society to think and write without fear their words will lead to reprisals. Why do I mention this? Well, like any other subject that get a critical appraisal, comics, under the right critical lens, can be a source of contention.
Above you see Michael Lecker at the 2009 Florida Conference of Historian. Mr. Lecker's “You Made Them Strong, We’ll Make Them Army (Avengers) Strong: How the Marvel Universe’s Story Arc and Ad Usage are Propaganda for Army Recruitment," is one example of how Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men applies cutting edge scholarship. Lecker's work is heavily influence by French theorist Michel Foucault. Specifically, he is using Foucault's Biopower concept to explore how the state or interests align with the state may use comics as means to influence and/or control. To achieve his goals, he examines the impact of the Marvel Universe’s Civil War story arc, the ideologies represented within the narrative, and the placement of armed forces advertisements. For those of you unaware, the storyline for Civil War was that a tragic event splits the superhero community into two camps. One group, led by Iron Man, registers themselves with the U.S. government, reveal their secret identities, and become federal employees. The other group, led by Captain America, refuse to submit and go underground fighting against what they see as an abusive and undemocratic agenda. The government-sanctioned group hunts the unregistered heroes and, when caught, places them in a prison in the outer dimensional "Negative Zone" a clear allegory to real life prisons "outside" U.S. territory. The war ends when Captain America states that his political dissent hurts his country and does not allow the nation to move forward. He decides to conform to the law, despite his belief it is un-American and the pro-registration side wins, ushering in a new militarized superhero training program called the Avenger Initative. While the storyline may leave you uninterested, the implication offer by Michael Lecker that the placement and use of advertisement by the American military within the pages of Marvel comics offered a means to influence and shape reader's thinking about government action and power should interest you. Indeed, Civil War was a was a bestseller for Marvel and got widespread media coverage. Mr. Lecker is asking an important question about comics and their influence. It's a good thing he has an "ivory tower" he can call home.
Above you see Michael Lecker at the 2009 Florida Conference of Historian. Mr. Lecker's “You Made Them Strong, We’ll Make Them Army (Avengers) Strong: How the Marvel Universe’s Story Arc and Ad Usage are Propaganda for Army Recruitment," is one example of how Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men applies cutting edge scholarship. Lecker's work is heavily influence by French theorist Michel Foucault. Specifically, he is using Foucault's Biopower concept to explore how the state or interests align with the state may use comics as means to influence and/or control. To achieve his goals, he examines the impact of the Marvel Universe’s Civil War story arc, the ideologies represented within the narrative, and the placement of armed forces advertisements. For those of you unaware, the storyline for Civil War was that a tragic event splits the superhero community into two camps. One group, led by Iron Man, registers themselves with the U.S. government, reveal their secret identities, and become federal employees. The other group, led by Captain America, refuse to submit and go underground fighting against what they see as an abusive and undemocratic agenda. The government-sanctioned group hunts the unregistered heroes and, when caught, places them in a prison in the outer dimensional "Negative Zone" a clear allegory to real life prisons "outside" U.S. territory. The war ends when Captain America states that his political dissent hurts his country and does not allow the nation to move forward. He decides to conform to the law, despite his belief it is un-American and the pro-registration side wins, ushering in a new militarized superhero training program called the Avenger Initative. While the storyline may leave you uninterested, the implication offer by Michael Lecker that the placement and use of advertisement by the American military within the pages of Marvel comics offered a means to influence and shape reader's thinking about government action and power should interest you. Indeed, Civil War was a was a bestseller for Marvel and got widespread media coverage. Mr. Lecker is asking an important question about comics and their influence. It's a good thing he has an "ivory tower" he can call home.
Comments