The History of the Superhero Audiobook By Lan Dong, The Great Courses cover art

The History of the Superhero

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Some fly; some web sling. Some wield magic lassos; some throw magic hammers. Some work in the shadows; some operate in broad daylight. But whatever their powers and weapons and methods, there’s one thing comic-book superheroes have in common: They’re everywhere.

Why do characters like Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, Batman, Black Panther, and Superman still draw our attention decades after their creation? Why are film and television audiences—not to mention legions of comic-book readers—still enamored with their stories?

In Lan Dong’s Audible Original, The History of the Superhero, examine the roots of the superhero dynamic that’s overtaking popular culture. Encompassing both Marvel Comics’ and DC Comics’ pantheon of extraordinary heroes, these eight lectures explore how superhero comics came to be, how famous characters (and their exploits) evolved in response to social and cultural changes, how superhero cinematic universes have become an integral (and highly lucrative) part of film history, and why superheroes of all types are likely here to stay.

Get ready for an exciting, eye-opening pop culture adventure. No disguise required.

©2022 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Literary History & Criticism

About the Creator and Performer

Lan Dong is a professor of English at the University of Illinois Springfield. She teaches Asian American literature, world literature, comics and graphic narratives, and children’s and young adult literature. She is the author or editor of several books, including Reading Amy Tan, Mulan’s Legend and Legacy in China and the United States, and Teaching Comics and Graphic Narratives.

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I really enjoyed listening to this book. I would like to know the references used. I learned more than what I already knew about the history of comic books. However, I was disappointed in the discussion of the X-Men. You did not highlight that Storm a.k.a. Ororo Munroe was the first black female superhero ever. Additionally, the X-Men did introduce other characters of color. Such as Forge, who was Native American. I think it was important to highlight that the X-Men were a group of mutants from around the world that were brought together by Charles Xavier, who was disabled. The X-Men gained popularity because they were one of the first teams that depicted diversity and discrimination during the 70s. And somehow they managed to get along even with arguments and strife, and managed to work as a team.

Very good but missed some important points

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While it was a bit challenging for me to keep up with the back and forth timeline of dates, the overall information presented was very interesting. I certainly learned new facts about the history of comics, their rise to fame over the decades, Marvel vs DC, women characters, influencial people, etc. Although, I would recommend increasing the speed of the audio. Good listen!

Interesting Listen

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Very good introduction to the history of American comic heroes. Now I want to read more scholarly works on some specific topics she talked about.
Yes, the audiobook is narrated by the actual author, and she does have an accent, but it isn't so bad like some reviews have claimed.

Good introductory into the subject!

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Great fun! I learned a lot of history of Superheroes in American lore. Well done and well presented.

An informative history

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This book was very informative and interesting. I am currently teaching a comic book writing class to teens through the library summer programming, and so I listened to this book driving to and from on my commute. I found myself learning some new facts that I was able to share with the patrons and also to recommend a new book to both the attendees and the library staff. It is definitely not a deep dive, but just enough information to explain the comic book industry, the origins of characters, the progression of these characters, and the effects legally as this genre found its own space. Just a fascinating book. If you’ve watched any of the superhero movies or shows, or read the comics, this is a very cool book.

Very informative and interesting, great narrator

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