Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre

by Peter Coogan

Overview

Step into the extraordinary world of superheroes with 'Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre,' a masterful exploration by Peter Coogan. This book is not just a history but a deep analysis of the superhero genre, from its earliest incarnations to its modern-day prominence. Unravel the complex web of superhero conventions, from their extraordinary powers to iconic costumes and secret identities.

Delve into the origins of these characters in ancient myths, epics, and legends, and see how they evolved through the Antediluvian Age into the figures that captivate audiences today. Coogan skillfully navigates through the different ages of superhero history, from the Golden Age's rise of characters like Superman and Batman to the Silver and Bronze Ages and finally to the contemporary Renaissance Age, offering a comprehensive understanding of how superheroes reflect and shape societal values.

Discover the intricate relationships between superheroes and their archenemies, exploring the psychology and motivations behind iconic supervillains across various types. Learn about the five types of supervillains - from Mad Scientists to Criminal Masterminds - and their unique roles in shaping superhero narratives. 

Coogan also examines the superhero as a metaphor, revealing how these figures represent deeper themes and societal issues. The book's detailed analysis extends to exploring the superhero's role in media, its impact on culture, and its enduring appeal across generations.

Perfect for comic book enthusiasts, scholars, and casual readers alike, 'Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre' is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the cultural significance of one of the most enduring and influential genres in modern storytelling. Join Peter Coogan on this captivating exploration of superheroes and discover the hidden layers behind these beloved popular culture icons.

This expanded description offers a more detailed glimpse into the book's content, making it more appealing to potential readers interested in the superhero genre.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781774430774
Publisher:	planksip® Publishing
Publication date:	02/29/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	325
File size:	12 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Peter Coogan earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in American Studies with his dissertation: The Secret Origin of the Superhero: The Emergence of the Superhero Genre in America from Daniel Boone to Batman. While still a graduate student, he cofounded the Comics Arts Conference with Dr. Randy Duncan (Henderson State University) in 1992. The CAC has been held in conjunction with the San Diego Comic-Con International ever since and expanded to biannual meetings by expansion to Wonder Con. It is the largest and longest-running academic conference on comics in America. Since 1998 he has lived in St. Louis and taught comics, superheroes, writing, and American Studies at area universities, particularly Webster University and Washington University in St. Louis. Since 2012, he has served as the Communication Lab Coordinator at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis.

Table of Contents

Foreword - pg. ix

Introduction - pg. xi

CHAPTER 1 - pg. 1

THE SUPERHERO RENAISSANCE

Conclusion - pg. 26

CHAPTER 2 - pg. 29

THE SUPERHERO GENRE

Naming - pg. 30

Parody - pg. 32

Imitation and Repetition - pg. 34

Conclusion - pg. 36

CHAPTER 3 - pg. 37

THE DEFINITION OF THE SUPERHERO

The Primary Conventions - pg. 37

Mission - pg. 38

Powers - pg. 38

Identity - pg. 39

Costume - pg. 40

Generic Distinction - pg. 47

Luke Cage, A Case Study - pg. 51

Ruling In and Ruling Out - pg. 57

Conclusion - pg. 70

Conclusion II - pg. 72

CHAPTER 4 - pg. 73

THE SUPERVILLAIN

The Five Types - pg. 73

The Monster - pg. 74

The Enemy Commander - pg. 75

Mad Scientist - pg. 80

Criminal Mastermind - pg. 81

The Inverted-Superhero Supervillain - pg. 87

Four Subtypes - pg. 89

Definition - pg. 92

Mission - pg. 93

Criminal Artistry - pg. 94

Mania - pg. 97

The Wound - pg. 99

Monologue and Soliloquy - pg. 105

Power - pg. 111

Identity - pg. 113

Hero/Villain Relationships - pg. 114

Self-Worth - pg. 114

Archenemy - pg. 115

Doppelganger - pg. 115

Oedipal - pg. 117

Displacement - pg. 120

Rogues Gallery - pg. 129

Proactive and Reactive - pg. 130

Conclusion - pg. 135

CHAPTER 5 - pg. 137

THE PREHISTORY OF THE SUPERHERO: THE ROOTS IN MYTH, EPIC, AND LEGEND

The Pre-Genre Stage - pg. 137

The Proto Age - pg. 138

Conclusion - pg. 146

CHAPTER 6 - pg. 147

THE PREHISTORY OF THE SUPERHERO: THE ANTEDILUVIAN AGE

The Pregenre Stage - pg. 147

The Antediluvian Age - pg. 148

The Science-Fiction Superman - pg. 148

The Dual-Identity Crime-Fighting Avenger-Vigilante - pg. 168

The Avenger-Vigilante - pg. 169

The Dual-Identity Crime-Fighter - pg. 177

The Pulp Ubermensch - pg. 180

Conclusion - pg. 186

CHAPTER 7 - pg. 187

THE PREHISTORY OF THE SUPERHERO: COMICS PREDECESSORS

Conclusion - pg. 196

CHAPTER 8 v199

THE FIRST SUPERHERO

Superman - pg. 199

Contenders for the Title - pg. 201

Spring-Heeled Jack - pg. 201

Hugo Hercules - pg. 202

Popeye - pg. 204

Hugo Danner - pg. 204

The Phantom - pg. 206

Phantom Magician - pg. 210

Olga Mesmer - pg. 211

The Superhero Genre - pg. 213

Etymology of Superhero - pg. 217

Conclusion - pg. 220

CHAPTER 9 - pg. 221

THE EVOLUTION OF THE SUPERHERO: THE AGES AND STAGES OF THE SUPERHERO GENRE

The Evolutionary Cycle - pg. 222

Genre, Parody, and Minicycles - pg. 223

The Reconstructive Stage - pg. 226

The Golden Age - pg. 227

Batman and the Flood of Superheroes - pg. 228

Formal Transparency - pg. 229

The Close of the Golden Age - pg. 233

The Silver Age - pg. 234

Crisis of Authority - pg. 237

The End of the Silver - pg. Age 239

The Bronze Age - pg. 240

The Iron Age - pg. 244

The Renaissance Age - pg. 249

Rebuilt Conventions - pg. 252

Conclusion - pg. 263

CHAPTER 10 - pg. 265

THE SUPERHERO AS METAPHOR

Conclusion - pg. 268

Afterword - pg. 269

Notes - pg. 275

Works Cited - pg. 299

Acknowledgments - pg. 309