Batman and the Multiplicity of Identity: The Contemporary Comic Book Superhero as Cultural Nexus (Routledge Advances in Comics Studies)

Brown, Jeffrey A.

ISBN 10: 1138302856 / ISBN 13: 9781138302853

Published by Routledge, 2018

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Batman and the Multiplicity of Identity: The Contemporary Comic Book Superhero as Cultural Nexus (Routledge Advances in Comics Studies)
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1138302856
• ISBN 13: 9781138302853
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New
• Book Type: book

About this title

Synopsis

Concentrating primarily on contemporary depictions of Batman in the comic books, this book analyzes why Batman is so immensely popular right now in America and globally, and how the fictional Dark Knight reveals both new cultural concerns and longstanding beliefs about American values. The organizing premise is that while Batman is perceived as a very clearly defined character, he is open to a wide range of interpretations and depictions in the comics (what Henry Jenkins refers to as "multiplicities"), each of which allows access to different cultural issues. The idea of Batman functions as an anchoring point out of which multiple Batmen, or Batman-like characters, can occupy different positions: Grim Batman, Gay Batman, Female Batman, Black Batman, Cute Batman, and so on. Each iteration opens up a discussion of different cultural issues pertinent to modern society, such as sexuality, ethnicity, feminism and familial relationships.

About the Author

Jeffrey A. Brown is a Professor in the Department of Popular Culture and The School of Critical and Cultural Studies at Bowling Green State University, USA