Comic historian Hanley looks at how toxic masculinity has long been a part of superhero literature, noting that women were missing from comics unless they were love interests who needed to be saved. The author also notes the impact of World War II on comics: Heroes were strong men, while villains often showed features of common negative stereotypes of Japanese and Black Americans. Starting with comics, then TV shows, and ending with the current movie franchises, Hanley shows how world events impacted characterization, usually resulting in superheroes that were straight white males. He also discusses how toxic masculinity not only inspired sexist comics but racist and homophobic comics as well and it doesn’t end with comics--it’s in TV series and movies as well. Hanley concludes that whether or not this culture changes is up to the fans. If fans want to see change, they must demand it, or superheroes will continue on the path they have been on since the beginning. This book gives fans a great starting point, a place to learn the history of superheroes. Chapter-by-chapter source notes and a bibliography are included. Well-researched and written, this title is a must-have for any library to give some new insights on superheroes as well as their true origin stories.

Library Journal

Tim Hanley explores the origins and persistence of sexism, racism, and homophobia in the superhero genre through the lens of comics history. This wide-ranging examination of the roots of toxic masculinity in superhero comics spans decades to identify key moments for comics titles, characters, creators, corporate owners, and fan communities. Tim Hanley asks two important questions: what factors drive this continued devotion to an outdated paradigm of straight white male supremacy, and what might move the genre toward diversity and inclusivity?

Amy Kiste Nyberg, PhD, Seton Hall University

Hanley’s entertaining educational style is always engaging to me. It’s like hanging out with a cool teacher in a comic book shop for extra credit…. I highly recommend it to not only comic book/superhero fans but to those interested in seeing how influential our ongoing debates about gender roles in society are showcased in such a public forum.

living read girl

With its rich primary sources and a very readable style, Hanley’s book is a valuable teaching resource. While it does not offer scholarly analyses of the concept of toxic masculinity, nor engaged analyses
of feminism or critical race and queerness, it can be used in high school and college classes on popular culture and toxic masculinity.

Journal of Popular Culture