Hi everyone! Here's my second post on our reading for this week. I found the readings to be very informative and interesting.
Introduction of the Superhero Reader:
As I read the Introduction of the Superhero Reader, I came across the two propositions made by two different groups of people to be rather interesting. One proposition states that “comics is an aesthetic form capable of thoughtful and diverse expression” and the other says, “superheroes warrant sustained attention” (TSR XIV). Interestingly enough the statement that theirs is a difference between “ideological seriousness about what superheroes mean” and “artistic seriousness about comics” put into the perspective that each can be explored independently of one another. I feel that because the two can be viewed independently without any connection to each other demonstrates how important different perspectives are.
“Men of Tomorrow” by Gerard Jones in The Superhero Reader:
“Men of Tomorrow by Gerard Jones presented vital information on Philip Wylie. I had no idea that Philip Wylie’s Gladiator paved the way for the creation of Superman. However, I was aware that “superman” wasn’t a new idea and has been used in different forms of heroes from different perspectives. Wylie’s Hugo Danner really stood out to because he resembles Superman so much.
“Gladiator” by Philip Wylie in The Superhero Reader:
I’ve never heard or read “Gladiator” by Wylie before this class and I couldn’t help but feel bad for Hugo. Hugo struggles with concealing abilities which results in his character insecurities of not being able to measure up to his father’s expectations of him. For instance, “More frequently he condemned his mind and spirit for not being great enough to conceive a mission for his thews” (Wylie 24). He struggles with being strong and blames his mind and spirit for not measuring up to the gift he possesses. His internal struggle demonstrates his awareness of how people will view him if his super strength or other abilities were revealed. I found it very interesting that Hugo’s parents are both present in the story but not surprised that his father is on his deathbed. I feel that many superheroes experience the loss of both of their parents or at least one which contributes to what they choose to fight for or against.
“Superman, Philip Wylie, and the New Deal” by Worcester:
I found this article to be the most informative out of all our readings this week. I never connected superheroes being made to “reassure readers that America would once again triumph against adversity” (Worcester 1). But as I read this article, I began to understand and see the association, superheroes were created to inspire, take people’s mind off of the misfortunes occurring at the time and present the American people with hope for a better future.
Superman Chronicles Vol. 1
My favorite issue of the Superman Chronicles Volume 1 was Issue 12. I found it to be extremely funny considering Superman decides to destroy the cars of those who drive recklessly and the car companies cars that result in the most accidents. He forced the mayor to enforce better driving laws but in a way that was comical and destructive. I personally don’t like violence but the way Superman destroyed the cars and said things like, “Whee!-Just like a birdie!” or “I guess next time he drives if he ever does, again—he’ll leave the liquor alone” made it funny and explained Superman’s purpose for his destruction.
Okay, that's all I have for now, until next time!
Introduction of the Superhero Reader:
As I read the Introduction of the Superhero Reader, I came across the two propositions made by two different groups of people to be rather interesting. One proposition states that “comics is an aesthetic form capable of thoughtful and diverse expression” and the other says, “superheroes warrant sustained attention” (TSR XIV). Interestingly enough the statement that theirs is a difference between “ideological seriousness about what superheroes mean” and “artistic seriousness about comics” put into the perspective that each can be explored independently of one another. I feel that because the two can be viewed independently without any connection to each other demonstrates how important different perspectives are.
“Men of Tomorrow” by Gerard Jones in The Superhero Reader:
“Men of Tomorrow by Gerard Jones presented vital information on Philip Wylie. I had no idea that Philip Wylie’s Gladiator paved the way for the creation of Superman. However, I was aware that “superman” wasn’t a new idea and has been used in different forms of heroes from different perspectives. Wylie’s Hugo Danner really stood out to because he resembles Superman so much.
“Gladiator” by Philip Wylie in The Superhero Reader:
I’ve never heard or read “Gladiator” by Wylie before this class and I couldn’t help but feel bad for Hugo. Hugo struggles with concealing abilities which results in his character insecurities of not being able to measure up to his father’s expectations of him. For instance, “More frequently he condemned his mind and spirit for not being great enough to conceive a mission for his thews” (Wylie 24). He struggles with being strong and blames his mind and spirit for not measuring up to the gift he possesses. His internal struggle demonstrates his awareness of how people will view him if his super strength or other abilities were revealed. I found it very interesting that Hugo’s parents are both present in the story but not surprised that his father is on his deathbed. I feel that many superheroes experience the loss of both of their parents or at least one which contributes to what they choose to fight for or against.
“Superman, Philip Wylie, and the New Deal” by Worcester:
I found this article to be the most informative out of all our readings this week. I never connected superheroes being made to “reassure readers that America would once again triumph against adversity” (Worcester 1). But as I read this article, I began to understand and see the association, superheroes were created to inspire, take people’s mind off of the misfortunes occurring at the time and present the American people with hope for a better future.
Superman Chronicles Vol. 1
My favorite issue of the Superman Chronicles Volume 1 was Issue 12. I found it to be extremely funny considering Superman decides to destroy the cars of those who drive recklessly and the car companies cars that result in the most accidents. He forced the mayor to enforce better driving laws but in a way that was comical and destructive. I personally don’t like violence but the way Superman destroyed the cars and said things like, “Whee!-Just like a birdie!” or “I guess next time he drives if he ever does, again—he’ll leave the liquor alone” made it funny and explained Superman’s purpose for his destruction.
Okay, that's all I have for now, until next time!