- Duncan and Smith (2009). The Power of Comics: History, Form and Culture.[Book] London: Continuum Books Ltd
- Ndalianis (2009). The Contemporary Comic Book Superhero. [Book]New York: Routledge
Both these books have really helped me understand the history and development of the superhero through time. I have been able to locate the post 9/11 superhero a lot easier in texts by acknowledging the qualities of the pre /11 superhero.
Looking over the Civil War series I have been able to make a list of potential talking points of discussion for my dissertation.The premise for Civil War is the notion of a 'Superhero Registration Act'. Fearing that superheroes are too dangerous for modern society, the government puts into place an act which states that superheroes must register themselves to the government (as a weapon of mass destruction) and ultimately work for them in a civil servant sort of role. By registering themselves, superheroes must in turn reveal their identities and retrain 'correctly'. The registration act splits the superhero community in two.
From what I have looked at so far, here are the first few points which I think would be good to talk about in my dissertation:
- The death of Captain America- Captain America is one of Marvel's oldest characters and is arguably one of the most patriotic figures of all time. He is the leader of the opposing superheroes of the registration act and his assassination during the end of the Civil War holds a wide amount of potential meanings and metaphors. (Death of the American dream, faith in governemnt, etc)
- Registration act- The idea of a registration act is one that constantly appears in the media time and time again. The social issue of public privacy is a topic that is brought up time and time again.
- Asylum/ minority groups-the opposing superheroes are pushed out of society and chased by the government and slandered. Comparisons of minority groups in America during and post 9/11 could be made.
- Military- The presence of the military in the series and increased security measures reflects a post 9/11 state of mind and affairs.
- The Family Unit-Family units like The Fantastic Four and The Avengers are torn into two when the registration act is announced. I have seen this as representing the families and communities of post 9/11 America.
- Tony Stark (Iron Man)- Tony Stark is the leader of the group favouring the registration act. He, like Captain America, is one of Marvel's most established hero's. His figure is often one associated with power and wealth and his pushing of the registration act could potentially represent the American public's want for power and money/ hatred towards those who achieve power and wealth.