Superheroines and the epic journey : mythic themes in comics, film and television / Valerie Estelle Frankel ; foreword by Trina Robbins.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Frankel, Valerie Estelle, 1980- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Comic books, strips, etc--United States--History and criticism.

Comic books, strips, etc.

United States.

Women superheroes in literature.

Women superheroes in motion pictures.

Women superheroes on television.

Physical Description:

vi, 289 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, [2017]

Summary:

"This book explores the popular mythos of comics heroines like Jessica Jones, Catwoman and the new superwomen of webcomics, who all endure great personal struggle or sacrifice before emerging as female warrior-saviors"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Chapter 1 Growing Up

Hero Birth: Wonder Woman (DC Comics, 1941) 11

Ordinary World: After the Golden Age (Novel, 2011) 16

Adolescence: Ms. Marvel (Marvel Comics, 2014) 19

Call to Rescue: Go Girl! (Dark Horse Comics, 2002) 25

Refusal of the Call: X-Men (Film, 2000) 30

Making the Choice: Runaways (Marvel Comics, 2003-2008) 33

Chapter 2 Superhero Tools

Superpowers: Wild Cards (Book Series, 1987-) 38

Talisman: Witchblade (TV, 2001-2002) 46

Self-Naming: Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics, 1977-2012) 53

Secret Identity: Supergirl (DC Comics, 1959) 60

Costume: Miss Fury (Timely Comics, 1941) 65

Shadow Side: Savage She-Hulk (Marvel Comics, 1980) 73

Chapter 3 Family Foils

Grandmother-Mentor: Miss Harkness (Marvel Comics, 1970-1989) 79

Evil Mentor: Birds of Prey (DC Comics, 2004-2011) 84

Brutal Patriarchy: Spider-Woman (Marvel Comics, 1977) 89

Leaving the Father: Aurora West (First Second Comics, 2014-2015) 96

Finding the Mother: Batgirl (DC Comics, 2005-2006) 101

Killer Mother: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (TV, 2013-2015) 106

Sister Teamwork: Supergirl (TV, 2015) 114

Evil Twin: Black Widow (Marvel Comics, 1999-2002) 119

Chapter 4 Male Influences

Friendship: White Tiger (Marvel Comics, 2007) 124

Animus Growth: Spider-Gwen (Marvel Comics, 2014) 128

The Good Boy: Dark Angel (TV, 2000-2002) 131

Shapeshifter Romance: Batman Returns (Film, 1992) 135

Bluebeard: Scarlet Witch (Marvel Comics, 1994) 144

Government Persecution: Echo (Abstract Studios Comics, 2011) 150

Shrinking Down: She-Hulk (Marvel Comics, 2005) 154

Take Back the Night: Priya's Shakti (Web Comic, 2014) 159

Chapter 5 Descent to the Self

Entering the Otherworld: Daredevil/Echo (Marvel Comics, 2004) 164

Into the Desert: Vixen (DC Comics, 2011) 168

Hearing the Inner Voices: Power Girl (DC Comics, 2009-2010) 175

Casting Off Illusions: Donna Troy (DC Comics, 2005) 178

Healing: Jessica Jones (TV, 2015) 182

Empathy: Batwoman (DC Comics, 2013-2014) 190

Chapter 6 Facing the Shadow

Descent into Death: Pretty Deadly (Image Comics, 2013-2014) 195

Dying to Save the World: Kitty Pryde (Marvel Comics, 2004-2008) 199

Shadow Transformation: Dark Phoenix (Marvel Comics, 1975) 202

Embracing the Self: Wonder Woman (DC Comics, 2011) 207

Return to Life: Danger Girl (IDW Comics, 2014) 213

Finishing the Battle: "Call Her Savage" (Short Story, 2010) 217

Finding Balance: Supergirl (DC Comics, 1996) 221

Chapter 7 Motherhood and Enlightenment

Becoming Supermom: Invisible Woman (Marvel Comics, 1968-1973) 225

Evil Child: Ms. Marvel (Marvel Comics, 1980-1981) 232

Losing the Child: Scarlet Witch (Marvel Comics, 1986-2012) 236

Death Crone: Claire Voyant (Timely Comics, 1940-1942) 240

Mistress of Dark and Light: Storm and Illyana (Marvel Comics, 1983-1984) 244

Apotheosis: Promethea (America's Best Comics, 2001-2005) 249

Guiding the Next Generation: Birds of Prey (TV, 2002-2003) 255.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781476668789

1476668787

OCLC:

959536510