LibGuides: Marvel Universe: Introduction

Watch the Films

Ant-Man Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
Ant-Man and the Wasp Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man and the Wasp functions as an origin story. Dr. Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man, sends Scott Lang on a mission to run down information about Pym's earliest exploits. Most importantly, Pym wants to know whether his original superhero partner, The Wasp, is still alive. At the same time, Lang, the current Ant-Man, has to make the life balance between being a superhero and a dad work.
Black Panther After tragedy forces young Prince T'Challa to assume Wakanda's throne, he is faced with the ultimate test, putting the fate of his country and the entire world at risk. Pitted against his own family, the new king must rally his allies and release the full power of Blank Panther to defeat his foes and embrace his future as an Avenger.
Captain America: The First Avenger 90-pound weakling Steve Rogers doggedly attempts to enlist in the army, only to be repeatedly classified 4F. Rogers' determination and decency come to the attention of Dr. Abraham Erskine of the Strategic Scientific Reserve. Rogers is the first test subject for Erskine's super-soldier serum, which transforms him utterly. When the program is abruptly ended, Rogers becomes Captain America--touring America to sell war bonds. On a USO tour in Europe, Rogers steals the first opportunity to demonstrate his worth by tangling with Johann Schmidt, a.k.a. the Red Skull, head of Hydra, Hitler's occult research and development unit. Schmidt has discovered the tesseract cube, an enormously powerful relic of Norse mythology through which he seeks to conquer the world. Assisted by Colonel Chester Phillips, Peggy Carter, weapons contractor Howard Stark, childhood friend Bucky Barnes, and Dum Dum Doogan and his howling commandos, Steve Rogers becomes more than a propaganda tool, emerging as the true Captain America.
Captain Marvel Set in the 1990's, the film revolves around Carol Danvers, a crack air force pilot. Though trials and tribulations she becomes one of the galaxy's mightiest heroes and joins an elite outer space military team known as Starforce. Her membership in the Kree military team puts her in danger when Earth becomes hopelessly stuck in battle between two other alien worlds, forcing Danvers to take on the role of Captain Marvel and use her new powers for the greater good. Despite her mighty power, Captain Marvel will discover things about herself she never hoped to know...
Deadpool Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
Deadpool 2 Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (AKA. Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable.
Doctor Strange While on a journey of physical and spiritual healing, a brilliant neurosurgeon is drawn into the world of the mystic arts.
Guardians of the Galaxy A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a faaBrash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand-with the galaxy's fate in the balance.natical warrior from taking control of the universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 Vol. Two continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.
Iron Man A wealthy industrialist is held captive in enemy territory and escapes by building a high-tech suit made of armor. When he returns home, he decides to use his money, talents, and suit to save the world.
Iron Man 2 Now that the world knows billionaire inventor Tony Stark as the armored superhero Iron Man, his life has suddenly become even more intense. Everyone wants in on the Iron Man technology, whether for power or profit, but for Ivan Vanko, it's revenge. With Pepper Potts and James 'Rhodey' Rhodes at his side, Stark must once again suit up and face his most dangerous enemy yet.
Iron Man 3 When Tony Stark/Iron Man finds his entire world reduced to rubble, he must use all his ingenuity to survive, destroy his enemy, and somehow protect those he loves. But a soul-searching question haunts him: Does the man make the suit-- or does the suit make the man?
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Miles Morales is the new Spider-Man but must also walk the balance between his personal high school & family life and his life as a superhero. While being Spider-Man, he becomes familiar with the Spider-Verse, where there are endless variations on Spider-Man. One of the Spider-Man variations living inside the Spider-Verse is Spider-Man, Peter B. Parker, who guides Miles in his journey as the new Spider-Man and introduces him to the multitude of other Spider-Men, including Spider-Man Noir and Spider-Ham. All of the various Spider-Men will have to band together when villains threaten the safety of the Spider-Verse and of the world itself.
Spider-Man: Homecoming Peter Parker balances his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens with his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man, and finds himself on the trail of a new menace prowling the skies of New York City.
Spider-Man: Far from Home Following the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.
Thor: Ragnarok Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela.

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Dr. Strange Peel back the layers of reality and behold a stunning realm hidden beneath. One of magic and wonder. Of sorcery and enchantment. Of ancient spells, secret doors and remarkable heroes who protect us from evil. Because this is also a world of dark mysticism, malevolent forces and unspeakable horrors. And within the shadows around us, a supernatural war is waged. But the balance is shifting. Darkness is winning. Yet there is hope...Join us as Dr. Stephen Strange embarks on a wondrous journey to the heights of a Tibetan mountain, where he seeks healing at the feet of the mysterious Ancient One. But before his wounds can mend, Strange must first let go of his painful past and awaken a gift granted to very few. The gift of magic. Empowered as the new Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Strange now tests his limits, rising up against monsters that push at the gates, facing the most terrifying entity humankind has ever known.
The Invincible Iron Man Past and present collide in this epic adventure that reveals the origin of Iron Man. While raising the ruins of a long buried Chinese kingdom, billionaire inventor Tony Stark digs up far more than he bargained for. He unleashes an age-old prophecy that foretells the resurrection of the Mandarin, the emperor of China's darkest and most violent dynasty. In order to confront the destructive force, Tony creates an armored suit infused with high-tech weaponry. To stop the evil that he himself has raised form the earth, Tony must become his greatest invention ever - Iron Man! The newly born champion must travel to the four corners of the earth to battle the Mandarin's henchmen, the Elementals - four magical warriors who harness the power of the elements - earth, water, wind, and fire - with deadly chemistry. But is the Iron Knight, as he his known in the prophecy, strong enough to defy fate and turn back the malevolent forces hell-bent on earth's destruction?
Planet Hulk He was a monster, impossible to control, too dangerous to ignore. So Earth's mightiest heroes exiled him into outer space. But now The Incredible Hulk crash lands on the distant planet Sakaar, ruled by the tyrannical Red King. Sold into slavery, Hulk becomes the planet's mightiest gladiator-but his new masters get more than they bargained for when he forges a bond of brotherhood with his fellow fighters: crafty insectoid Miek, ruthless rock-man Korg, ex-shadow priest Hiroim, and the noble-born rebel Elloe. Unlike Earth, the desperate people of Sakaar believe a monster is just what they need. But will the Hulk be the one to save their world…or destroy it?
Thor Before he ever lifted his mighty hammer…fantastic journeys beckon from the mysterious nine realms. Places of dark mists and fiery voids. Of winged creatures and giants in the ice. And of the most alluring quest of all – the search for the legendary Lost Sword of Surtur. Hungry for adventure, Thor secretly embarks on the journey of a lifetime, joined by his loyal brother Loki, whose budding sorcery equips him with just enough magic to conjure up trouble, along with the Warriors Three – a band of boastful travelers reluctant to set sail on any adventure that might actually be dangerous. But what starts out as a harmless treasure hunt quickly turns deadly, and Thor must now prove himself worthy of the destiny he covets by saving Asgard itself.
Ultimate Avengers 2 To save humanity, the Earth's mightiest heroes must reunite for a rematch of heroic proportions. It lies in the darkest heart of Africa, unknown to most of the world. An isolated land hidden behind closed borders, fiercely protected by its young king - the BLACK PANTHER. A king who holds the fate of the entire earth in his hands. Because brutal alien invaders are coming soon to fill every sky and control every land, seeking what is buried beneath ancient Wakanda. That leaves the Black Panther with a single option, one that goes against the sacred decrees of his people - to ask for help from outsiders. And so he turns to The Avengers - Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Giant Man, Wasp, and the Incredible Hulk. These mightiest of heroes have battled the aliens before, and barely survived. They thought it was over. They were wrong.

Read the Graphic Novels

The Astonishing Ant-Man, Vol. 2 : Small-Time Criminal Scott Lang has his tiny hands full, from one former goliath-sized super hero to a brand new one! His daughter Cassie used to be a Young Avenger. Now, she's de-powered and her life is the worst. But she's about to find out what being a hero really means! Then, it's time for the All-New , All-Different Giant-Man! Can he benefit from Ant -Man's years of wisdom and experience? Maybe Scott should skip the parts where he was a small-time criminal. But wait, one of those parts is right now! COLLECTING: THE ASTONISHING ANT-MAN 5-10
The Astonishing Ant-Man. Vol. 3, The Trial of Ant-Man Scott's in jail, but that doesn't mean he won't be asked to choose a side. Whichever side puts the most money in his commissary account wins. COLLECTING: THE ASTONISHING ANT-MAN 10-13
The Astonishing Ant-Man Vol. 1 Scott Lang was a down-on-his-luck, divorced ex-con - until he stole renowned scientist and super hero Hank Pym's size-altering technology in the hopes of saving his daughter's life. Through that act of doing wrong for the right reasons, Scott learned how to be a hero himself. With Pym's blessing and his daughter Cassie at his side, Scott became... The Astonishing Ant-Man! But when a curveball upends Scott's life, will he continue to be a hero, or will he return to his former life of crime? Collecting: The Astonishing Ant-Man 1-4; Ant-Man: Last Days 1; Ant-Man Annual 1
Avengers - Prelude to Infinity Hyperion and Captain Universe begin the godlike education of the transformed Savage Land children. But when the High Evolutionary stakes his claim on the Children of the Sun, Hyperion learns the true cost of the decisions he's made! Then, the prelude to Infinity begins as all of Earth's Origin Sites go active - and the planet begins communicating with something much more ancient than humans.. As the Avengers recruit more members to deal with the mounting threat, the Builders enter the Marvel Universe. Collecting: Avengers 12-17
Avengers. Vol. 2, The Last White Event The Avengers scramble to deal with the threat of another Universal System as the New Adam's true self is revealed - and the most dangerous hero on Earth is created! As the team faces the World Breaker and discovers the imminent threat to the Avengers World, the hidden connections between the events of Avengers and New Avengers are slowly revealed. What good is a White Event if it destroys the planet it was meant to transform? Collecting: Avengers 7-11.
Captain Marvel : Earth's Mightiest Hero Vol. 1 Captain Marvel, Earth's Mightiest Hero with an attitude to match, is launching into a new adventure! Captain Marvel, aka Carol Danvers, makes a dramatic decision that will alter the course of her life and the entire Marvel Universe. But as Carol takes on a mission to return an alien girl home, she lands in the middle of an uprising against the Galactic Alliance! Investigating the forced resettlement of Rocket Girl's people, Carol finds she has a history with the man behind the plot. Guest starring the Guardians of the Galaxy!
Captain Marvel : Earth's Mightiest Hero Vol. 2 Captain Marvel and the Avengers face the enemy within! When vicious echoes from the past of Earth's Mightiest Heroes crop up all over Manhattan, Carol Danvers refuses to be grounded by her recent and mysterious loss of power. But who is the sinister figure behind the madness and what does it have to do with Carol's calamitous condition? And the most disturbing question of all ... is this villain even real? COLLECTING: CAPTAIN MARVEL (2012) 13-17, AVENGERS: THE ENEMY WITHIN 1 , AVENGERS ASSEMBLE 16-17
Captain Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Hero Vol. 3 Higher, further, faster, more! That's the daring new attitude of Earth's Mightiest Hero, Captain Marvel! As Carol Danvers comes to a crossroads in her life, she makes a dramatic decision that will alter the course of everything. But as Carol heads into outer space, she lands in the middle of a galactic uprising! And when a bad guy she has history with tries to blackmail her - and turn the Avengers against her - it's payback time! Taking her cat, Chewie, with her seemed like a good idea at the time, but there's more to that pet than meets the eye...unless you're Rocket Raccoon, Carol's new ally in the Guardians of the Galaxy! Captain Marvel's mighty adventures continue, as she shows how to win friends and influence people of all species! COLLECTING: CAPTAIN MARVEL (2014) 1-11
Death of Doctor Strange Doctor Stephen Strange is the Master of the Mystic Arts. Earth's Sorcerer Supreme. A one-man barrier protecting our world from all the nightmares, demons and warlords out there in dimensions beyond our comprehension. So what happens...when Doctor Strange is murdered? As his friends mourn -- and his enemies rage at having been deprived of the killing blow -- dark forces set their sights on an unprotected Earth. The Avengers...the Fantastic Four...all of our mightiest heroes are woefully out of their depth. Now, as the world's remaining magicians race to protect our world from an unimaginable sorcerous threat, one very surprising investigator must unravel the mystery of Doctor Strange's murder. But can he do it before his own time runs out? COLLECTING: Death of Doctor Strange (2021) 1-5
The Mighty Captain Marvel, Vol. 2 : Band of Sisters Written by best-selling author Margaret Stohl! As Secret Empire begins, Captain Marvel faces the Chitauri! The savage alien fleet has nearly reached Earth space - and it's up to Carol Danvers to stop it. But taking on an entire armada is a tall order even for our mighty hero and the crew of the Alpha Flight Space Station. Can Carol find a way to inspire her ranks - including her battalion of young cadets - to rise to the challenge of protecting the planet? As Alpha Flight puts their plan into action, an enemy from Carol's past rears its head, threatening to ruin everything! Collecting: The Mighty Captain Marvel 5-9
The Mighty Captain Marvel. Vol. 3, Dark Origins As Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers has traveled to almost every inch of the planet - and beyond! Now she's heading somewhere uncharted! Join Carol on her new cosmic journey through the past and future, as Captain Marvel takes flight in an adventure you won't want to miss! They say you can't go home again...but what about a creepy, twisted version of your childhood home? That's where Carol finds herself - and, as the earth-shattering secrets of her Dark Origin are finally revealed, the Marvel Universe will be forever changed! You'd think a familiar face would be comforting...but this Peter Quill doesn't seem in a friendly mood, and then there's the conundrum of Zeta Flight! Carol learns the hard way that this mysterious group may have given her a bad reputation...but how does it even exist?! Collecting: Captain Marvel 125-130
The Mighty Captain Marvel Vol. 1 Behold the mightiest, fightiest super hero there is! Captain Marvel returns to her helm as Alpha Flight commander with the world cheering her on. She's the biggest hero in the world - but has Captain Marvel become someone Carol Danvers no longer recognizes? New York Times bestselling author Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures, Black Widow: Forever Red) makes her comics series debut with a blockbuster Marvel story decades in the making! COLLECTING: THE MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL (2016) 0-5
Mighty Thor A special tale of young Thor adventuring in the age of Vikings! Meanwhile, LOKI conjures up a dark and powerful new enemy: VIKING HULK. It's SAVAGE NORSE ACTION! COLLECTING: MIGHTY THOR 6-12
Ms. Marvel - No Normal Marvel Comics presents the all-new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine that has become an international sensation! Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City - until she is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! As Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to handle? Kamala has no idea either. But she's comin' for you, New York! It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona (Runaways)! COLLECTING: MS. MARVEL 1-5, MATERIAL FROM ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE
Ms. Marvel : Crushed Love is in the air in Jersey City as Valentine's Day arrives! Kamala Khan may not be allowed to go to the school dance... but Ms. Marvel is! Well sort of - by crashing it attempting to capture Asgard's most annoying trickster! It's a special Valentine's Day story featuring Marvel's favourite charlatan, Loki! The fan favourite, critically-acclaimed, amazing new series continues as Kamala Khan proves why she's the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is! Collecting: Ms. Marvel 12-15, Annual 1
Ms. Marvel : Generation Why Who is the Inventor, and what does he want with the all-new Ms. Marvel and all her friends? Maybe Wolverine can help! Kamala may be fan-girling out when her favourite (okay maybe Top Five) super hero shows up, but that won't stop her from protecting her hometown. Then, Kamala crosses paths with Inhumanity for the first time - by meeting the royal dog, Lockjaw! Every girl wants a puppy, but this one may be too much of a handful, even for a super hero with embiggening powers. Collecting: Ms. Marvel 6-11
Spider-Man. Vol. 1, Miles Morales Miles Morales is hitting the big time! Not only is he joining the Marvel Universe, but he's also a card-carrying Avenger! But how have Miles' first eight months been, coming to grips with an All-new , All-Different new York? One thing is the same - nonstop action! Like when Earth's Mightiest Heroes all fall, and Miles stands alone against a villain with the power to destroy the universe. Then there's Miles' toughest foe yet - his grandmother! Collecting: Spider-Man 1-5
X-Men When the Dark Phoenix rises, suns grow cold and universes die. Gathered by Charles Xavier, the X-Men have dedicated their wondrous abilities to protect mankind - even those who hate and fear them. One of their own, Jean Grey has unwittingly attained power beyond conception - and been corrupted. The X-Men must decide: Is the life of the woman they cherish worth the existence of an entire universe? Collecting: X-Men 129-138, Classic X-Men 43, Bizarre Adventures 27 (1st Story), Phoenix: The Untold Story, What If? (1977) 27
X-Men : Ultimate X-Men : The Tomorrow People Presents a collection of the Ultimate X-Men numbered 1-6.

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Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men explores the changing depiction of superheroes from the comic books of the 1930s to the cinematic present. In this anthology, scholars from a variety of disciplines-including history, cultural studies, Latin American studies, film studies, and English-examine the superhero's cultural history in North America with attention to particular stories and to the historical contexts in which those narratives appeared. Enduring comic book characters from DC and Marvel Comics including Superman, Iron Man, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Avengers are examined, along with lesser-known Canadian, Latino, and African-American superheroes. With a sweep of characters ranging from the Pulp Era to recent cinematic adaptations, and employing a variety of analytical frameworks, this collection offers new insights for scholars, students, and fans of the superhero genre. The anthology comprises three chronologically-divided sections corresponding to the well-established distinction in comics of the Golden Age, Silver Age, and Modern Age. Section I, Defending the American Way, connects the emergence of the new superhero genre to the social, political, and economic issues of the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, and World War II. Section II, Crisis of Consensus, examines the rebirth and evolution of the superhero comic in the context of Cold War anxiety. Section III, The Modern Age, explores the ongoing development of the superhero in the post-Cold War world, with a narrowed but more sophisticated comic book readership and ultimately an expanded new audience in other media.
All of the Marvels The first-ever full reckoning with Marvel Comics' interconnected, half-million-page story, a revelatory guide to the "epic of epics"--and to the past sixty years of American culture--from a beloved authority on the subject who read all 27,000+ Marvel superhero comics and lived to tell the tale "Brilliant, eccentric, moving and wholly wonderful. . . . Wolk proves to be the perfect guide for this type of adventure: nimble, learned, funny and sincere. . . . All of the Marvels is magnificently marvelous. Wolk's work will invite many more alliterative superlatives. It deserves them all." --Junot Díaz, New York Times Book Review The superhero comic books that Marvel Comics has published since 1961 are, as Douglas Wolk notes, the longest continuous, self-contained work of fiction ever created: over half a million pages to date, and still growing. The Marvel story is a gigantic mountain smack in the middle of contemporary culture. Thousands of writers and artists have contributed to it. Everyone recognizes its protagonists: Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men. Eighteen of the hundred highest-grossing movies of all time are based on parts of it. Yet not even the people telling the story have read the whole thing--nobody's supposed to. So, of course, that's what Wolk did: he read all 27,000+ comics that make up the Marvel Universe thus far, from Alpha Flight to Omega the Unknown.   And then he made sense of it--seeing into the ever-expanding story, in its parts and as a whole, and seeing through it, as a prism through which to view the landscape of American culture. In Wolk's hands, the mammoth Marvel narrative becomes a fun-house-mirror history of the past sixty years, from the atomic night terrors of the Cold War to the technocracy and political division of the present day--a boisterous, tragicomic, magnificently filigreed epic about power and ethics, set in a world transformed by wonders.   As a work of cultural exegesis, this is sneakily significant, even a landmark; it's also ludicrously fun. Wolk sees fascinating patterns--the rise and fall of particular cultural aspirations, and of the storytelling modes that conveyed them. He observes the Marvel story's progressive visions and its painful stereotypes, its patches of woeful hackwork and stretches of luminous creativity, and the way it all feeds into a potent cosmology that echoes our deepest hopes and fears. This is a huge treat for Marvel fans, but it's also a revelation for readers who don't know Doctor Strange from Doctor Doom. Here, truly, are all of the marvels.
The Avengers and Philosophy : Earth's Mightiest Thinkers An engaging look at the philosophical underpinnings of Earth′s Mightiest Heroes Avengers assemble! Tackling intriguing dilemmas and issues that no single great philosopher can withstand, this powerful book enlists the brainpower of an A-list team of history′s most prominent thinkers to explore the themes behind the action of Marvel Comics′ all-star superhero team. Arms you with new insights into the characters and themes of The Avengers Deepens your appreciation both of The Avengers comics and the Joss Whedon movie adaptation Answers the philosophical questions you′ve always had about Earth′s Mightiest Heroes, including: Can a reformed criminal become a superhero? Can an android love a human? If a hero beats his wife, is he still a hero? Helps you think differently about the members of the superhero team Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the others This thought-provoking book will help you understand this band of superheroes better, whether you′ve followed the Avengers for years or are a Joss Whedon fan just getting to know them.
Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Heroes & Superheroes The second edition of Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Heroes and Superheroes, provides in-depth insight into over 140 of the most popular and studied graphic novels. Researchers will be familiar with the characters and stories included in this collection, but will gain a deeper new understanding, as the literary nature of the stories is presented in critical format by leading writers in the field of study.
Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: History, Theme, & Technique History, Theme & Technique collects more than eighty essays on the evolution of the graphic novel, from its conceptual beginnings to its gradual acceptance. This volume covers the unique process of creating a product both in art and in word; historical overviews track the complex development of this important art form, while the survey of key themes, genres, and events, albeit far from exhaustive, will help define the major milestones and provide an important foundation for future research.
Enter the Superheroes : American Values, Culture, and the Canon of Superhero Literature Ever since the first appearances of Superman and Batman in comic books of the late 1930s, superheroes have been a staple of the popular culture landscape. Though initially created for younger audiences, superhero characters have evolved over the years, becoming complex figures that appeal to more sophisticated readers. While superhero stories have grown ever more popular within broader society, however, comics and graphic novels have been largely ignored by the world of academia. In Enter the Superheroes: American Values, Culture, and the Canon of Superhero Literature, Alex S. Romagnoli and Gian S. Pagnucci argue that superheroes merit serious study, both within the academy and beyond. By examining the kinds of graphic novels that are embraced by the academy, this book explains how superhero stories are just as significant. Structured around key themes within superhero literature, the book delves into the features that make superhero stories a unique genre. The book also draws upon examples in comics and other media to illustrate the sociohistorical importance of superheroes--from the interplay of fans and creators to unique narrative elements that are brought to their richest fulfillment within the world of superheroes. A list of noteworthy superhero texts that readers can look to for future study is also provided. In addition to exploring the important roles that superheroes play in children's learning, the book also offers an excellent starting point for discussions of how literature is evolving and why it is necessary to expand the traditional realms of literary study. Enter the Superheroes will be of particular interest to English and composition teachers but also to scholars of popular culture and fans of superhero and comic book literature.
Leaders Assemble! Leadership in the MCU In this volume of Exploring Effective Leadership Practices through Popular Culture, Schmidt and Islam examine how you can learn about research and evidence-based leadership concepts through examples drawn from the popular MCU movies and related superhero films. Leaders Assemble! Leadership in the MCUincludes sound research and evidence-based advice on how to improve as a leader on topics such as leadership development, conflict management, mentorship, sensemaking, shared leadership, servant leadership, authentic leadership, servant leadership, and selecting your team. Examples from your favorite MCU films make these concepts come alive so you can easily see how they can be used to improve your own leadership skills. Each chapter focuses on a core leadership concept and shows you how you can use it to be a successful leader, with MCU films and superheroes leading the way with relevant examples, before finally summarizing the main points you can use in your own leadership practice.
Marvel Encyclopedia Discover the essential facts about Marvel Comics' timeless heroes such as Captain America, Spider-Man, and Iron Man and villains like Thanos, Loki, and Kingpin.  Keep up with the ever-expanding Marvel Universe with the new edition of DK's best-selling Marvel Encyclopedia, featuring an introduction by Marvel Comics supremo Stan Lee. Updated and expanded, this definitive Who's Who of Marvel Comics reveals vital info and secret histories of more than 1200 classic and brand new Marvel characters, and provides the lowdown on recent key events including Civil War 2, Secret Empire, and Infinity Countdown. Marvel Encyclopedia features: - Authoritative, Marvel-approved text for more than 1,200 Marvel characters. - Most comprehensive reference guide to Marvel Comics characters on the market, from iconic heroes and villains to a multitude of lesser-known, supporting characters - Lavishly illustrated format will appeal to both Marvel Comics aficionados and more casual fans - A to Z and ranked presentation of characters provides an accessible framework, which is supported with an extensive index - Contains new entries for more than 20 characters From iconic teams such as the Avengers, X-Men, and Guardians of the Galaxy to fan favorites Black Panther, Deadpool, and Captain Marvel to rising stars Amadeus Cho, Squirrel Girl and the Exiles, every significant Marvel character is showcased with the latest comic artwork. Meticulously researched, expertly written, and stunningly illustrated, the Marvel Encyclopedia boasts newly commissioned cover art by one of Marvel's hottest up-and-coming talents.  This unique, in-depth, and accessible encyclopedia is an indispensable guide to Marvel Comics that devoted fans and newcomers alike will return to time and again. © 2020 MARVEL
Marvel Year by Year a Visual History A new edition of the most comprehensive history of Marvel Comics ever published. Deep dive into the full story of Marvel Comics in a single, beautifully illustrated volume.   Created in full collaboration with Marvel, this fan-favorite title, last published in 2017, now covers more than 80 years of Marvel history, from the company's first incarnation as Timely Comics to the multimedia giant it is today.    Packed with artwork from the original comics, this chronological account traces the careers of Marvel Super Heroes such as The Avengers, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Iron Man, Black Widow, and Guardians of the Galaxy, and the writers and artists that developed them. It also charts the real-life events that shaped the times and details Marvel landmarks in publishing, movies, and TV.  © 2022 MARVEL
Spider-Man and Philosophy : The Web of Inquiry Untangle the complex web of philosophical dilemmas of Spidey and his world in time for the release of The Amazing Spider-Man movie Since Stan Lee and Marvel introduced Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962, everyone s favorite webslinger has had a long career in comics, graphic novels, cartoons, movies, and even on Broadway. In this book some of history s most powerful philosophers help us explore the enduring questions and issues surrounding this beloved superhero: Is Peter Parker to blame for the death of his uncle? Does great power really bring great responsibility? Can Spidey champion justice and be with Mary Jane at the same time? Finding your way through this web of inquiry, you ll discover answers to these and many other thought-provoking questions. Gives you a fresh perspective and insights on Peter Parker and Spider-Man s story lines and ideas Examines important philosophical issues and questions, such as: What is it to live a good life? Do our particular talents come with obligations? What role should friendship play in life? Is there any meaning to life? Views Spider-Man through the lens of some of history s most influential thinkers, from Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and Immanuel Kant to Nietszche, William James, Ayn Rand, and Alasdair MacIntyre  
Superheroes and Philosophy The comic book naratives of superheroes wrestle with profound and disturbing issues in original ways: the definitions of good and evil, the limits of violence as an effective means, the perils of enforcing justice outside the law, the metaphysics of personal identity, and the definition of humanity. Superheroes and Philosophy tackles these and other philosophical questions in an intellectual yet engaging way suitable for any comic book fan.
Superhero Synergies : Comic Book Characters Go Digital In the age of digital media, superheroes are no longer confined to comic books and graphic novels. Their stories are now featured in films, video games, digital comics, television programs, and more. In a single year alone, films featuring Batman, Spider-Man, and the Avengers have appeared on the big screen. Popular media no longer exists in isolation, but converges into complex multidimensional entities. As a result, traditional ideas about the relationship between varying media have come under striking revision. Although this convergence is apparent in many genres, perhaps nowhere is it more persistent, more creative, or more varied than in the superhero genre. Superhero Synergies: Comic Book Characters Go Digital explores this developing relationship between superheroes and various forms of media, examining how the superhero genre, which was once limited primarily to a single medium, has been developed into so many more. Essays in this volume engage with several of the most iconic heroes--including Batman, Hulk, and Iron Man--through a variety of academic disciplines such as industry studies, gender studies, and aesthetic analysis to develop an expansive view of the genre's potency. The contributors to this volume engage cinema, comics, video games, and even live stage shows to instill readers with new ways of looking at, thinking about, and experiencing some of contemporary media's most popular texts. This unique approach to the examination of digital media and superhero studies provides new and valuable readings of well-known texts and practices. Intended for both academics and fans of the superhero genre, this anthology introduces the innovative and growing synergy between traditional comic books and digital media.