Bloomsbury Home
- Home
- ACADEMIC
- Film & Media
- Popular Culture
- The Human in Superhuman
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) , Jacob George (Contributor) , William O. George III (Contributor) , Walter D. Greason (Contributor) , Eric Hasty (Contributor) , Christopher Jeansonne (Contributor) , Jennifer Marmo (Contributor) , Ariel Mickey (Contributor) , Wendy Gray Morales (Contributor) , Gian S. Pagnucci (Contributor) , Maryanne A. Rhett (Contributor) , Margaret A. Robbins (Contributor) , Jennifer L. Toney (Contributor) , Stephen M. Zimmerly (Contributor)
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) , Jacob George (Contributor) , William O. George III (Contributor) , Walter D. Greason (Contributor) , Eric Hasty (Contributor) , Christopher Jeansonne (Contributor) , Jennifer Marmo (Contributor) , Ariel Mickey (Contributor) , Wendy Gray Morales (Contributor) , Gian S. Pagnucci (Contributor) , Maryanne A. Rhett (Contributor) , Margaret A. Robbins (Contributor) , Jennifer L. Toney (Contributor) , Stephen M. Zimmerly (Contributor)
You must sign in to add this item to your wishlist. Please sign in or create an account
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
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 | Nov 08 2022 |
---|---|
Format | Ebook (Epub & Mobi) |
Edition | 1st |
Extent | 234 |
ISBN | 9781793606952 |
Imprint | Lexington Books |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
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
Bloomsbury Collections
This book is available on Bloomsbury Collections where your library has access.