Reborn of Crisis: 9/11 and the Resurgent Superhero

The book explores the superhero genre's response to 9/11, challenging the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative and unpacking complex global interplays. It appeals to scholars and students of cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the pervasive and influential phenomenon of superheroes, examining their place within the most significant global event of the past two decades: the aftermath of 9/11. By exploring the surge in popularity of superheroes post-9/11, the authors shed light on how American society has grappled with and continues to process the profound trauma inflicted by the terrorist attacks. The journey begins with the iconic character of Batman, tracing his evolution across comics, television, and film, and delving into the profound ways in which these narratives reflect and challenge the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative that emerged in response to the 9/11 events.

The book goes beyond Batman, examining a wide range of popular superhero films, including Iron Man, Captain America, The X-Men, Black Panther, and Wonder Woman. Through in-depth analysis, the authors reveal how these texts engage with the events and aftermath of 9/11, challenging the prevailing narrative of American exceptionalism and militarism. This volume explores the superhero genre's remarkable capacity to unpack complex global interplays, raising questions about America's foreign policy actions and the perpetuation of white, militarized masculinity in the aftermath of 9/11.

As a comprehensive study of the superhero genre's engagement with issues of authority, patriotism, war, morals, race, gender, surveillance, the military industrial complex, and American political and social identities, this book appeals to scholars and students across cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which superheroes have become a powerful tool for exploring and challenging societal norms, and for shaping public discourse in the post-9/11 era.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367539344