Abstract
This paper reports on a study which examined the charge that superhero comic books are invariably sexist in their production and speak to deep-seated and traditional gender stereotypes. The paper argues that this has been almost exclusively the case, with some notable, if controversial, exceptions such as Wonder Woman. The paper also cites content analysis of three works by Alan Moore--Watchmen, Tom Strong, and Top 10 which illustrate that it is possible to appropriate the traditionally sexist imagery of the superhero genre and utilize it to call attention to the gender stereotypes that permeate much of the comic book industry.

From the Paper
"Comic books have often been charged as little more than the sexist fantasies of drooling fanboys. At first brush, it's hard to disagree with this assessment. While male characters run a wide gamut of appearances (though most are ridiculously chiseled and good-looking), the portrayal of women in comic books--particularly of the superhero genre--are almost monolithically improbable. More attention is paid to making sure that representations of women in the comics appeal to an idealized aesthetic..."

Tags:comic, books, analysis

Abstract
This paper fondly recalls that, when the author was only four years old, having torn off his toe nail and having to stay in bed for several days, his father kept him occupied by reading to him from a stack of 50 used comic books. Next, the author observes that, from the symbols on the comic book pages in the balloon captions, he was able to learn to read the comic books before ever beginning his formal schooling. The paper bemoans that some present day comic books are really only pornographic works, which prevent many parents from introducing their young children to the wonderful world of some of the better comics, especially Donald Duck and miserly Uncle Scrooge.

From the Paper
"Although dubious at first, I untied the cord and looked at what he had brought me. There were Donald Duck, Uncle Scrooge and Superman comics by the dozen, as well as numerous Little Lulu, Baby Huey, Dennis the Menace and L'il Dot. After quickly scanning the pictures and relishing the lavish artwork and coloring of Carl Barks in the Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck comics, I was hooked. "Read me, read me," I insisted to my parents and was treated to their rather poor renditions of duck and superhero voices, but it was all just great stuff. Indeed, I forgot all about my toe and relished every one of the comic books over the next several days."

Tags:screams entertainment, carl barks, heros pornographic

Abstract
This paper analyzes Anne Rubenstein's book "Bad Language, Naked Ladies, and other Threats to the Nation: A Political History of Comic Books in Mexico". It discusses the impact that comics have had in shaping the Mexican political scene, as well as showing how the comics themselves served as a stage for the playing out of political and cultural battles, as Mexico grew from a very Catholic, sustenance-agrarian culture, to a modern industrial one. It shows how in the 1930s there was for the first time in Mexico, a literate or at least semi-literate force with a growing amount of spending cash for entertainment and while the new government may not have directly encouraged the reading of comic books, by promoting civil freedoms and providing economic support for independent publishers, it created an atmosphere that allowed comic books to proliferate.

From the Paper
"In regarding this study it might be best to consider that the story of comic books in Mexico was but a microcosm that when studied gives one an idea of what was happening in Mexico from the 1930s to the 1970s, rather than something that truly shaped Mexican culture and politics into the 21st century. Rubenstein is aware of this concern and says as much, "Comic books and related periodicals were not the only forms of mass media and popular culture that were part of this process in postrevolutionary mexico. Similar stories could be told about many entertainments: shopping, television, recorded music, dance, cinema, cooking, fashion, and holidays, to name only a few."

Tags:economy, culture, periodicals, mass, media, postrevolutionary, entertainment

Abstract
The paper examines two comic books which rely heavily on visual elements and religious allusions and argues that they demonstrate the complexity of criticizing comics as subversive, since both actually portray moral heroes who triumph over evil.

Tags:Hellboy, Moloch, Solomon Kane

Abstract
This paper conducted research related to gender stereotyping in one form of media, namely superhero comic books. Findings indicated that this form of media contained a great many of sexist stereotypes.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this study was to conduct observational research defined as a form of non-experimental research involving researcher observation of the phenomena of interest. (Abrams) In the conducted research, the topic of interest was whether superhero comic books contains sexist stereotyping. Although the investigator examined other types of media advertising, tv series and radio broadcasts, superhero comics were selected for their inherent interest and the fact that they were a form of under-researched media. Sexist stereotyping..."

Tags:gendr stereotyping, sexism

Abstract
In this article, the writer examines the charge that superhero comic books are invariably sexist in their production and speak to deep-seated and traditional gender stereotypes. Historically, the writer argues that this has been almost exclusively the case, with some notable, if controversial, exceptions such as Wonder Woman. However, content analysis of three works by Alan Moore, 'Watchmen', 'Tom Strong' and 'Top 10', illustrate that it is possible to appropriate the traditionally sexist imagery of the superhero genre and utilize it to call attention to the gender stereotypes that permeate much of the comic book industry. The writer notes that Moore's work has progressively satirized tropes in the superhero genre and have helped, inadvertently or not, through satire to call attention to the wealth of sexism apparent in portrayals of women in comics. The writer maintains that the implication of this hypothesis is that there may be an emerging trend toward the dissolution of traditional gender stereotypes in comic books.

Outline:
Introduction
Aim and Rationale
Content Analysis as a Methodological Approach
Literature Review
Methodology
Findings, Discussion, and Conclusion

From the Paper
"Content analysis is the approach by which one examines a particular cultural text, and critically examines it to unearth specific socio-cultural trends and realities. Some might question this as a viable research method. After all, how useful is a critical analysis of comic books, when one is talking about a pervasive problem such as sexism? How can content analyses of popular movies add anything pertinent to contemporary discussions of poverty in Western nations?"
"The reality is, however, that cultural productions--such as novels, movies, and even comic books--can be powerful, if unintentional portals into the manifestations of cultural trends. Culture and society is really little more than the way in which people interact with one another and the artifacts that they create in the process. These artifacts might be songs or books or movies or ephemeral speeches and behaviors. But what they all share in common is an innate reflection of the socio-cultural trends and attitudes possessed by their creators or society at large. In other words, targeted content analysis of items such as comic books can reveal important information about the attitudes and beliefs of the society in which those particular artifacts were created."

Tags:sexism, characters, stereotypical, superhero

Abstract
The paper examines the visual iconography, literary character development and sequential timeline in "The Chronicles of Conan, Vol.1". The paper describes how the fictional character, Conan of Cimmeria, was originally created through a literary medium, but was made more accessible and more famous by creating an association with visual iconography.

From the Paper
"The classic pulp sword and sorcery novels of Robert E. Howard have resulted in film, comics, and other modern media formats that describe his most famous barbarian character: Conan of Cimmeria. In many ways, the comic book industry has brought the Conan character to greater fame, as Howard's actual novels did not sell well before being visually interpreted. In 1971, the comic book illustrator Barry Windsor Smith artistically interpreted the Conan figure within a certain medium that stood outside the literature that Howard wrote, especially with the greater visual presence of his drawings that gave life to the Conan character."

Tags:Conan, of, Cimmeria, illustrations, iconography, literarature

Abstract
Examines Superman and Batman. How each superhero represents two different ideals. How each has appeal for different publics. The dualistic way of life of both heroes. The secret identity or alter ego of each. Concept of mythic heroism. Early origins of the two fantasy figures; their back stories. Their interaction with arch-villians.

From the Paper
"This research examines the comic-book superheroes Superman and Batman as representative of two different ideals appealing to two different demographic populations. The research will compare attributes of each figure with a view toward identifying discrete meanings of heroism that find resonance in those who valorize one superhero over the other.

To arrive at contrasts between Superman and Batman, it is first necessary to identify what they may have in common. The most obvious attribute that they share is a double existence. They are apart from the common horde of humanity, special in ways that the rest of humankind can only dream of, or more exactly in ways that illustrate the importance of mythic presence in the psyche if not in everyday experience (Campbell 12). To be sure, both Superman and Batman are fantasy figures, but ..."

Abstract
This paper discusses the background and early life of comic book artist, entertainer, publisher, and successful businessman, Todd McFarlane. The paper explores the reasons behind his phenomenal success and the motivations that drove him to get where he is now. Also discussed are his accomplishments and how they have impacted our lives.

From the Paper
"Meanwhile Todd continued to draw comic book characters and was determined to find a job in the industry. After countless rejections, he got his first break when Marvel/ Epic comics offered him a job in March 1984. From there onwards Todd continued to develop as a comic book artist and eventually became the number # artist at Marvel. His innovative penciling and covers for the Amazing Spider Man made it the number one title at Marvel Comics. Recognizing his talents, the company eventually gave him the opportunity to write, pencil and ink his own title Spider Man. Todd had always had a passion for producing high-quality products. When given an opportunity to display his talents, he availed it with both hands and proceeded to produce the first copy of the Spider Man that hit the stands September 1990. It was an immediate hit and became the best-selling comic book of all times selling 2.5 million copies."

Tags:calgary, baseball, seattle, mariners, spawn, marvel, epic, spider, man

Abstract
This paper explains that Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' "Watchmen" has awaken the need for superheroes in the U.S. government; however, the leadership of President George Bush is even more ludicrous than that portrayed in this 'comic' book. The author points out that the reader can easily see the current Washington administration in "Watchmen"; the character Dr. Manhattan, like Mr. Bush is a self-resurrected, all but omnipotent man. The paper relates that the book activates numinous perception held and offered by Mr. Bush such as that Iraq held within its 'evil' boundaries many undiscovered stores of Weapons of Mass Destruction; even the terminology sounds that a comic book.

Table of Content
We Need a Hero
Ordinary Superheroes
Life Imitating Art?
Parallel Universe
Flawed Heroes

From the Paper
"In fact, "Watchmen" is the perfect foil for the current superhero juggernaut of the United States. Thompson notes that "much of the comic's poetry lies in the counterpoint and convergence of its parallel narratives and visual motifs. In keeping with its themes of surveillance, symmetry and time, the story emerges from a multiplicity of perspectives, incorporating flashbacks, found correspondence and precognitive clues." It is, in fact, an apt parallel universe for the United States Congress and administration."

Tags:administration, iraq, bushlexia, paradigm, zealous-nationalism