El. knyga: Contemporary Superhero Film: Projections of Power and Identity

"The aim of this short volume is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the generic and thematic elements of contemporary superhero films. Terence McSweeney examines the codes and conventions of the superhero genre, laying out the syntactic and semantic elements common to most (if not always all) of the exemplars of the genre. Though one of the most prominent features of these films has been their malleability and amorphousness -encompassing, in varying proportions, the fantastic and the realistic; the comedic and the tragic; animation and live action; children's and adult films, occasionally all in the same film - it nonetheless can be shown to constitute a distinct and cohesive genre. McSweeney's then takes a look at some of the most prominent thematic issues at play in mainstream superhero films: political-ideological functions of the films; gender and racial representation (or lack thereof); and the myth-building tendency that has sustained various superhero franchises. Beginning with the Batman and Superman series - both created just before the US's entry into WWII, and and used as a vehicle for political messaging - McSweeney shows how superheroes' jingoistic roots still color the films today. Likewise, the films frequently trade in a reactionary conception of traditional gender norms. These trends have begun to change somewhat in recent years, with films like Wonder Woman (herself a product of the same nationalism as Batman and Superman) and Black Panther acting gestures towards more equal representation, though overall the superhero genre remains essentially conservative. Finally, McSweeney will compare the dominant US superhero genre with its iterations around the world, including in-depth case studies of the Indian series "Krrish" and the British film SuperBob"--

Terence McSweeney provides a concise and up-to-date overview of the superhero genre. He lays out its narrative codes and conventions, exploring why it appeals to diverse audiences and what it has to say about the world in the first two decades of the twenty-first century.

Audiences around the globe continue to flock to see the latest releases from Marvel and DC studios, making it clear that superhero films resonate with the largest global audience that Hollywood has ever reached. Yet despite dominating theater screens like never before, the superhero genre remains critically marginalized—ignored at best and more often actively maligned.

Terence McSweeney examines this global phenomenon, providing a concise and up-to-date overview of the superhero genre. He lays out its narrative codes and conventions, exploring why it appeals to diverse audiences and what it has to say about the world in the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Unpacking the social, ideological, and cultural content of superhero films, he argues that the genre should be considered a barometer of contemporary social anxieties and a reflection of cultural values. McSweeney scrutinizes representations of gender, race, and sexuality as well as how the genre’s conventions relate to and comment on contemporary political debates. Beyond American contributions to the genre, the book also features extensive analysis of superhero films from all over the world, contrasting them with the dominant U.S. model.

The book’s presentation of a range of case studies and critical debates is accessible and engaging for students, scholars, and enthusiasts at all levels.