Superman: The Persistence of an American Icon

Comics Culture

by Ian Gordon

After debuting in 1938, Superman soon became an American icon. But why has he maintained his iconic status for nearly 80 years? And how can he still be an American icon when the country itself has undergone so much change?

Persistence of an American Icon examines the many iterations of the character in comic books, comic strips, radio series, movie serials, feature films, television shows, animation, toys, and collectibles over the past eight decades. Demonstrating how Superman’s iconic popularity cannot be attributed to any single creator or text, comics expert Ian Gordon embarks on a deeper consideration of cultural mythmaking as a collective and dynamic process. He also outlines the often contentious relationships between the various parties who have contributed to the Superman mythos, including corporate executives, comics writers, artists, nostalgic commentators, and collectors.     

Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of Superman’s appearances in comics and other media, Gordon also digs into comics archives to reveal the prominent role that fans have played in remembering, interpreting, and reimagining Superman’s iconography. Gordon considers how comics, film, and TV producers have taken advantage of fan engagement and nostalgia when selling Superman products. Investigating a character who is equally an icon of American culture, fan culture, and consumer culture, Superman thus offers a provocative analysis of mythmaking in the modern era.

 

Genres: Comics, Nonfiction, Dc Comics, Comic Book

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Ian Gordon is Associate Professor of American history at the National University of Singapore.

Reviews

[Billy Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scholarly analysis of the history of Superman and his influence in various media over the decades.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote my high school senior research paper on Superman’s status as an American icon and this book was the foundation of my research. I was surprised to see that there was academic research for Superman and this book is so well written. I had a genuinely great time reading Gordon’s work.

[Winser Espinal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superman, la persistencia de un icono mundial

Este es un libro que no puede dejar de leer cualquier persona que le apasione la historia detrás de la industria del cómic. Ya sea que te interese saber más sobre qué ha hecho que Superman como marca o como patrimonio cultural persista a través del tiempo o que quieras expandir tu conocimiento sobre la historia externa del personaje, este libro es para ti.

-Winser Espinal