Overview

Why are so many of the superhero myths tied up with loss, often violent, of parents or parental figures? What is the significance of the dual identity? What makes some superhuman figures good and others evil ? Why are so many of the prime superheroes white and male? How has the superhero evolved over the course of the 20th and early 21st centuries? And how might the myths be changing? Why is it that the key superhero archetypes - Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, the X-Men - touch primal needs and experiences in everyone? Why has the superhero moved beyond the pages of comics into other media? All these topics, and more, are covered in this lively and original exploration of the reasons why the superhero - in comic books, films, and TV - is such a potent myth for our times and culture.

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9780826415400

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Reviews

Of the series of academic books that I have seen addressing comic books, and the superhero genre in particular, Fingeroth's work is one of the best. - Brett Chandler Patterson, Science Fiction Research Association- SFRA Review, Jan/Feb/March 2007, #279--Sanford Lakoff

Superman on the Couch has a number of interesting, novel things to say about the assimilation and naturalization of superhero fiction. Superman on the couch is a near-exhaustive look at the superhero phenomenon, through the eyes of a man who has spent all his working life around them. I would recommend the book to anyone with even a passing interest in comics or fiction in general. Thoroughly engrossing read. It provides even the most jaded superhero fan with a wealth of clever, novel ideas to chew over. Matthew Craig, RobotFist.com, 6/7/04

Author Information

As former Group Editor of Marvel Comics's Spider-Man line, Danny Fingeroth became intimately familiar with the key elements of superhero mythology. He is exceptionally well versed in just what it takes to breathe life into these characters. Fingeroth is currently the creator and editor of Write Now magazine. He lives in New York City with his wife, sons, and 30,000 comic books.

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