Batman Unmasked: Analyzing a Cultural IconA work of scholarship and a labor of love. "This is the definitive history of the Batman in all media: comics, film, television and the internet. The bookÆs combination of rigorous historical research and a witty, fluid writing style make it both vastly instructive and vastly entertaining."--Roberta Pearson, editor of The Many Lives of the Batman "Will appeal to avid students of pop culture and comics, and a gay cult audience...BrookerÆs impressive overview of BatmanÆs history reflects on the masked oneÆs origins, early arch rivals and the introduction of Robin, and concentrates on four periods: WWII, the mid 1950s, the Æ60s and the Æ90s. In 1954, child psychologist Fredric Wertham attacked the comic book industryànoting homoerotic undercurrents between Batman and Robin; BrookerÆs lengthy and fascinating Ægay readingÆ supports WerthamÆs claim, albeit with a positive, postmodern twist. After recalling the campy image of Batman spawned by ABCÆs 1960s TV show, the author takes a look at Batman writers, fans, fanzines and the Net, concluding with a hilarious chapter on how his research was ridiculed by the British media." -Publishers Weekly ôàBrookerÆs account is bolstered by his fan expertise. This book usefully expands uponàThe Many Lives of Batman. Recommendedàö--Library Journal"A historical, detailed, deep analysis of Batman as a cultural icon in America. This isn't a simple polemic or surface-shallow analysis. This is deep stuff-analyzing art styles, histories, individual panels, cultural concepts, and historical documentsà. plenty of startling revelations and analysesàThis is a stunningly well-done, intelligent book. It's proof that comics are not throwaway ephemera, but real, vital, analyzable parts of our culture. It's also a must-have for the hardcore Batman fan and comics fan-who doesn't mind some ideas being challenged."--www.super- |
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