Customer Reviews

Caped Crusaders 101: Composition Through Comic Books

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Interesting and knowledgeable reading of major comic book superhero comics series in light of cultural and social issues (race, class, gender, sexuality)--actually, for this alone the book is worth 4 stars (amazon wouldn't let me revise the stars). Very useful plot summaries and analysis of major themes in specific time periods, up through post-9/11. Would have been much strengthened by a sustained analysis of the fundamental visual qualities of these works. Also (since this book seems to be aimed, at least in part, at composition class use) with the plots and themes so thoroughly and insightfully interpreted here, it is hard to see where any room remains for students' own written argument or interpretation, at least not without the actual comic books in hand.

A delightful read for English majors, I should think, as it proceeds much like a very long essay with all the intellectual humor of an "A" student. While sometimes long-winded and repetitive, the publication maintains interest through what is perhaps the most academically under-assessed literary genre in our pop-culture. Kahan and Stewart's knowledge behind comic books and graphic novels impressively highlights the historical, political, social, religious, and sometimes philosophical themes behind past and present forms of the most renowned superheroes. Movies, television series, cartoons, and recreations are all brought out to the challenge of what themes changed and which stayed the same.

Some desireables would be: to improve the organization of ideas and to add more current comic book titles to those reviewed.

With proper permission and research, I think there's room and interest for a sequel.