Tim Hanley

"An exploration of the complex DC Comics character and her many incarnations in comics, television, and movies"--

The Felonious History of a Feline Fatale

The Many Lives of Catwoman

“I’ve never seen more information about Wonder Woman than in Wonder Woman Unbound. Tim Hanley tells us everything we’ve never asked about Wonder Woman, . . . from her mythic Golden Age origins through her dismal Silver Age years as a lovesick romance comic character, and worse yet, when she lost her costume and powers in the late 1960s. Our favorite Amazon’s saga becomes upbeat again with the 1970s advent of Gloria Steinem and Ms. magazine, and Lynda Carter’s unforgettable portrayal of her on television. And it’s all told with a dollop of humor!” —Trina Robbins, author of Pretty in Ink With her golden lasso and her bullet-deflecting bracelets, Wonder Woman is a beloved icon of female strength in a world of male superheroes. But this close look at her history portrays a complicated heroine who is more than just a female Superman. Tim Hanley explores Wonder Woman’s lost history, delving into her comic book and its spin-offs as well as the motivations of her creators, to showcase the peculiar journey of a twentieth-century icon—from the 1940s, when her comics advocated female superiority but were also colored by bondage imagery and hidden lesbian leanings, to her resurgence as a feminist symbol in the 1970s and beyond. Tim Hanley is a comic book historian. His blog, Straitened Circumstances, discusses Wonder Woman and women in comics, and his column “Gendercrunching” runs monthly on Bleeding Cool. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Curious History of the World's Most Famous Heroine

Wonder Woman Unbound

"A comprehensive history of the beloved comic book character."--Provided by publisher.

The Turbulent History of the Daily Planet's Ace Reporter

Investigating Lois Lane

David Brin

Melissa Febos

Sean Fitzpatrick

Joseph Sutton

Matt Bai

Mike Siegel

Jay Strongman

An Anthology of Essays

1984 in the 21st Century

An eye-opening exploration of the toxic masculinity and sexism that pervades the superhero genre. Superheroes have been exciting and inspirational cultural icons for decades, dating back to the debut of Superman in the 1930s. The earliest tales have been held up as cornerstones of the genre, looked upon with nostalgic reverence. However, enshrining these tales also enshrines many outdated values that have allowed sexist gender dynamics to thrive. In Not All Supermen: Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes, Tim Hanley examines how anger, aggression, and violence became the norm in superhero comics, paired with a disdain for women that the industry has yet to fully move beyond. The sporadic addition of new female heroes over the years proved largely ineffective, the characters often underused and objectified. Hanley also reveals how the genre’s sexism has had real-world implications, with many creators being outed as sexual harassers and bigots, while intolerant fan movements are awash with misogynistic hate speech. Superheroes can be a force for good, representing truth, justice, and courage, but the industry is laden with excessive baggage. The future of the genre depends on what elements of its past are celebrated and what is left behind. Not All Supermen unravels this complex history and shows how superheroes can become more relevant and inspiring for everyone.

Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes

Not All Supermen

For more than 75 years, Catwoman has forged her own path in a clear-cut world of stalwart heroes, diabolical villains, and damsels in distress. Her relentless independence across comic books, television, and film set her apart from the rest of the superhero world. When female-led comics were few and far between, Catwoman headlined her own series for over 20 years. But her unique path had its downsides as well. Her existence on the periphery of the superhero world made her expendable, and she was prone to lengthy absences. Her villainous origins also made her susceptible to sexualized and degrading depictions from her primarily male creators in ways that most conventional heroines didn't face. For good and ill, Catwoman serves as a stark counterpart to the typical evolution of the history of women in comics, and in popular culture generally. Her adventures have charted an inimitably varied journey of empowerment and exploitation. Exploring the many incarnations of this cultural icon offers a new perspective on the superhero genre and showcases the fierce resiliency that has made Catwoman a fan favorite for decades.

For over sixty years, the women who took on the mantle of Batgirl have served as inspirational superheroes for legions of underrepresented and under-appreciated fans. This book explores their compelling histories, on the page, screen, and behind the scenes, to showcase the turbulent evolution and importance of female characters and fandom.

Exploring the Dynamic History of Batgirl

Never a Sidekick

"Not All Supermen explores the complex history of the superhero genre, with its troubling undercurrent of sexism and toxic masculinity while supposedly espousing truth, justice, and valor for generations of fans"--

"We think we know Betty and Veronica from Archie comics, but we don't. This book examines how these two female characters have evolved over the decades, from stereotypes of the 1940s to more sophisticated representations in recent years. They are far more than just Archie's girlfriends, and this book explores the depths of these cultural icons"--

Tim Hanley

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