Superhero Comics

Literary/ Cultural Context Essay

Karin Kukkonen (University of Oslo)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.08: English Writing and Culture of the early Twentieth Century , 1900-1945.
Vol. editors: Chris Baldick (Goldsmiths College, University of London), Peter Childs (Birmingham Newman University), Louise McDonald (Birmingham Newman University), Andrew Radford (University of Glasgow)

Domains

Literature Topic

Dates

Date of occurrence 1930

Places

United Kingdom (Location)
United States (Location)

Genres and Modes

Graphic / Comic

Resources

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Often considered the quintessential comics genre, superhero comics have represented the hero in a modern shape and developed a specific set of genre terms and conventions. Their particular publication and production conditions led to the special case of company-owned, serially published characters, such as Superman, Batman or Spider-Man. These superhero characters have been constantly rewritten and reinvented by different authors over the last seven decades.

Definition and Genre Features

The narratives of superhero comics revolve around a central hero figure who is traditionally defined by his or her double identity, superpowers and special costume. As a hero, the main character has a mission to protect his or her community. When villains threaten the community,

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1588 words

Citation: Kukkonen, Karin. "Superhero Comics". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 02 February 2011 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=14898, accessed 26 April 2024.]

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