Not All Supermen: Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes

The superhero genre is filled with toxic masculinity and sexism, which has allowed sexist gender dynamics to thrive. Not All Supermen: Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes explores how anger, aggression, and violence became the norm in superhero comics, paired with a disdain for women. The book also reveals how the genres sexism has had real-world implications, with many creators being outed as sexual harassers and bigots, and intolerant fan movements awash with misogynistic hate speech. The future of the genre depends on what elements of its past are celebrated and what is left behind.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Superheroes have been captivating and awe-inspiring cultural icons for decades, dating back to the introduction of Superman in the 1930s. The earliest tales have been revered as foundational pillars of the genre, cherished with nostalgic admiration. However, the preservation of these narratives also perpetuates numerous outdated beliefs that have facilitated the persistence of sexist gender dynamics.

In his book, Not All Supermen: Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes, Tim Hanley delves into how anger, aggression, and violence became the norm in superhero comics, often accompanied by a deep-seated disdain for women that the industry has yet to fully overcome. The sporadic inclusion of new female heroes over the years has proven largely unsuccessful, with these characters often underutilized and objectified. Hanley also exposes how the genre's sexism has had real-world consequences, with numerous creators being exposed as sexual harassers and bigots, while intolerant fan movements are rife with misogynistic hate speech.

Superheroes possess the potential to be a powerful force for good, embodying truth, justice, and courage. However, the industry is weighed down by an excessive amount of baggage. The future of the genre hinges on determining which aspects of its past should be celebrated and which ones should be left behind. By unraveling this complex history, Not All Supermen provides a roadmap for superheroes to become more relevant and inspiring for individuals of all backgrounds.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 238 x 159 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538152737