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Comic books in 'Ages of... (McFarland) Essays'

  • Issue #1-1ST
    Ages of Superman SC (2012 McFarland) Essays on the Man of Steel in Changing Times 1-1ST

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    1st printing. By Joseph J. Darowski. Since Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938, the superhero has changed with the times to remain a relevant icon of American popular culture. This collection explores the evolution of the Superman character and demonstrates how his alterations mirror historical changes in American society. These essays examine Superman's patriotic heroism during World War II, his increase in power in the early years of the Cold War, his death and resurrection at the end of the Cold War, and his recent dramatic reimagining. This volume reveals as much about America as it does about the champion of Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 246 pages, B&W. Cover price $40.00.

  • Issue #1-1ST
    Ages of Wonder Woman SC (2014 McFarland) Essays on the Amazon Princess in Changing Times 1-1ST

    1st printing. By Joseph J. Darowski. Created in 1941 by the psychologist William Marston, Wonder Woman would go on to have one of the longest continuous run of published comic book adventures in the history of the industry. More than 70 years after her debut, Wonder Woman remains a popular culture icon. Throughout the intervening years wars, the feminist movement, politics, and evolving social opinions and concerns can be seen influencing the stories found in Wonder Woman's comic books. In this collection of new essays, each examines a specific period or storyline from Wonder Woman comic books and analyzes that story in regard to contemporary issues in American society. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 248 pages, B&W. Cover price $40.00.

  • Issue #1-1ST
    Marvel Comics' Civil War and the Age of Terror SC (2015 McFarland) Critical Essays on the Comic Saga 1-1ST

    1st printing. By Kevin Michael Scott. Marvel Comics has a tradition of addressing relevant real-life issues facing the American public. With the publication of Civil War (2006-2007), they focused on contemporary anxieties such as terrorism and threats to privacy and other civil liberties. This collection of essays explores the Civil War series and its tie-in titles from the perspectives of history, political science, sociology, psychology, literary criticism, law, philosophy and education. The contributors provide a close reading of the series' main theme - the appropriate balance between freedom and security - and discuss how that balance affects citizenship, race, gender and identity construction in 21st-century America. Softcover, 240 pages, Text. Cover price $40.00.

  • Issue #1-1ST
    Ages of Avengers SC (2015 McFarland) Essays on Earth's Mightiest Heroes in Changing Times 1-1ST

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    1st printing. By Joseph J. Darowski. One of Marvel Comic's most popular franchises for five decades, the Avengers have always been reflective of their times, having adapted to an evolving readership to remain relevant. This collection of fresh essays by popular culture scholars examines Avengers story lines such as the Korvac Saga, Civil War, and Secret Invasion, and scrutinizes key characters including the Black Panther and Hank Pym. Essays explore how real-world events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, the end of the Cold War, and 9/11 influenced popular entertainment in America. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 204 pages, Text Only. Cover price $40.00.

  • Issue #1-1ST
    Ages of Iron Man SC (2015 McFarland) Essays on the Armored Avenger in Changing Times 1-1ST

    1st printing. By Joseph J. Darowski. Billionaire industrialist, cold warrior, weapons designer, alcoholic, philanthropist, Avenger - Tony Stark, the alter-ego of Marvel Comics' Iron Man, has played many roles in his five decades as a superhero. From his 1963 comics debut in Tales of Suspense to the recent film adaptations, hundreds of creators have had a hand in writing the character with evolving depictions and distinct artistic styles. This collection of essays provides an historical overview of an important figure in American popular culture and a close reading of Iron Man's most iconic story lines, including his origin in Vietnam, "Demon in a Bottle," "Civil War," and "Extremis." Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 278 pages, Text Only. Cover price $40.00.

  • Issue #1-1ST
    Ages of the X-Men SC (2014 McFarland) Essays on the Children of the Atom in Changing Times 1-1ST

    1st printing. By Joseph J. Darowski. With storylines that often contain overt social messages within its "mutant metaphor," X-Men is often credited with having more depth than the average superhero property. In this collection, each essay examines a specific era of the X-Men franchise in relationship to contemporary social concerns. The essays range from an analysis of popular science at the time of the first X-Men comic book in 1963 to an interpretation of a storyline in light of rhetoric of President Obama's first presidential campaign. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 244 pages, Text. Cover price $40.00.

  • Issue #1-1ST
    Ages of the Incredible Hulk SC (2015 McFarland) Essays on the Green Goliath in Changing Times 1-1ST

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    1st printing. BY Joseph J. Darowski. The Incredible Hulk is one of Marvel Comics' earliest super-heroes. Through the decades, the character and his narrative elements - the causes of Bruce Banner's transformations, the Hulk's strength, intelligence and skin color, the tone, theme and sources of conflict - have been continually reinvented to remain relevant. This collection of new essays explores Marvel's more than five decades of Hulk comics. The contributors analyze the Hulk and his supporting cast in their shifting historical contexts, offering insights into both our popular entertainment and our cultural history. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 278 pages, Text. Cover price $40.00.