The Human in Superhuman

The Power of the Sidekick in Popular Culture

Sandra Eckard (Anthology Editor) , Alex Romagnoli (Anthology Editor) , Anke Marie Bock (Contributor) , Melissa Caliendo (Contributor) , Kerry Carley Rizzuto (Contributor) , Mary T. Christel (Contributor) ,
View more contributors
Online resources available
The Human in Superhuman cover

The Human in Superhuman

The Power of the Sidekick in Popular Culture

Sandra Eckard (Anthology Editor) , Alex Romagnoli (Anthology Editor) , Anke Marie Bock (Contributor) , Melissa Caliendo (Contributor) , Kerry Carley Rizzuto (Contributor) , Mary T. Christel (Contributor) ,
View more contributors
Online resources available
Hardback $180.00 $162.00 Ebook (Epub & Mobi) $162.00 $129.60 Ebook (PDF) $162.00 $129.60
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Description

The Human in Superhuman: The Power of the Sidekick in Popular Culture spotlights the often overlooked but very crucial sidekick in superhero narratives. From the classic companion Alfred Pennyworth to the supportive best friend Foggy Nelson, this collection examines a variety of sidekick characters and their importance to the hero’s journey in each story. Ultimately, rather than viewing the lack of superpowers as a flaw, the essays show that it is precisely human qualities like compassion, empathy, and encourage that enable the sidekicks to help their heroes grow. Chapters include discussions of Spider-Man, Daredevil, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who, and more.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Learning to Spin the Hero Web: Adult Mentorship That Inspires and Empowers in Spider-Man Stories
Mary T. Christel
Chapter 2 Foggy Nelson: A Journey from Best Friend to Hero in Daredevil
Gian S. Pagnucci
Chapter 3 From Typical Teen to Sidekick: The Transformation of Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Jennifer Marmo
Chapter 4 The Wakanda Design Group
Walter D. Greason
Chapter 5 Overcoming Great Fear: Jessica Cruz, Mental Illness, and the Green Lantern Corps
Eric Hasty
Chapter 6 What it Means to be Noble: An Examination of Donna Noble's Importance within the Doctor Who Universe
Ariel Mickey
Chapter 7 Mission Control: Barbara Gordon's Oracle Breaks the Mold
Stephen M. Zimmerly
Chapter 8 Iris's Impact and Inspiration: The Importance of Iris West in The Flash
Jennifer L. Toney
Chapter 9 Hermione as the Hero: Using Empathy and Connection to Save the Wizarding Community and Educate the Wizard's Ego
Melissa Caliendo & Kerry Carley Rizzuto
Chapter 10 What I Need Is You: The Partnership of Br

Product details

Published 08 Nov 2022
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 224
ISBN 9781793606945
Imprint Lexington Books
Dimensions 235 x 162 mm
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

SE
Anthology Editor

Sandra Eckard

AR
Anthology Editor

Alex Romagnoli

AB
Contributor

Anke Marie Bock

MC
Contributor

Melissa Caliendo

KR
Contributor

Kerry Carley Rizzuto

MC
Contributor

Mary T. Christel

JG
Contributor

Jacob George

WG
Contributor

William O. George III

WG
Contributor

Walter D. Greason

EH
Contributor

Eric Hasty

CJ
Contributor

Christopher Jeansonne

JM
Contributor

Jennifer Marmo

AM
Contributor

Ariel Mickey

WM
Contributor

Wendy Gray Morales

GP
Contributor

Gian S. Pagnucci

MR
Contributor

Maryanne A. Rhett

MR
Contributor

Margaret A. Robbins

JT
Contributor

Jennifer L. Toney

SZ
Contributor

Stephen M. Zimmerly

Reviews

  • In a political climate dominated by calls for individualism and personal responsibility and where we are always one election away from demagoguery, we could use reminding of how much we need and depend on each other. This collection of wonderfully thoughtful essays shows us that even the most “super” heroes need to be in community with others to be successful. Reading these essays is not only at times hilariously entertaining, but deeply thought-provoking as it sheds light on the ordinary heroism of standing together, side by side, as we face the challenges of living in the 21st century.

    Chad William Timm, Simpson College

ONLINE RESOURCES

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Go to this book on Bloomsbury Collections.

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