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The History of the Superhero

Written by: Lan Dong, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Lan Dong
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Publisher's Summary

Some fly; some web sling. Some wield magic lassos; some throw magic hammers. Some work in the shadows; some operate in broad daylight. But whatever their powers and weapons and methods, there’s one thing comic-book superheroes have in common: They’re everywhere.

Why do characters like Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, Batman, Black Panther, and Superman still draw our attention decades after their creation? Why are film and television audiences—not to mention legions of comic-book readers—still enamored with their stories?

In Lan Dong’s Audible Original, The History of the Superhero, examine the roots of the superhero dynamic that’s overtaking popular culture. Encompassing both Marvel Comics’ and DC Comics’ pantheon of extraordinary heroes, these eight lectures explore how superhero comics came to be, how famous characters (and their exploits) evolved in response to social and cultural changes, how superhero cinematic universes have become an integral (and highly lucrative) part of film history, and why superheroes of all types are likely here to stay.

Get ready for an exciting, eye-opening pop culture adventure. No disguise required.
©2022 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC
Literature & Fiction Film & TV
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Informative but a bit repetitive

As an old time comics fan I was familiar with much of the history of superheroes up to the 1980s. I enjoyed learning more about the developments of the genre since then, which appear to have been largely in the transition of superheroes to movies. I found the lecturer knowledgeable in the field of discussion but a little repetitive. Still worth a listen.

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Boring

May as well have read wikipedia on superheroes and the comic industry. Was a let down.

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