Empire of the superheroes : America's comic book creators and the making of a billion-dollar industry / Mark Cotta Vaz ; concept and initial research in collaboration with Mark Zaid, Esq.
Edition:
First edition.
Publisher:
University of Texas Press,
Copyright Date:
2021
Description:
viii, 464 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 445-452) and index.
Contents:
Introduction: Comic book Babylon -- In the beginning -- World of tomorrow -- More super than Tarzan -- Shadow realm -- Superman versus Wonder Man -- The first generation -- Superman, Inc. -- Patents and patriots -- Up, up and awa-a-y! -- Battle of the century -- The adventures of Superboy -- The trial -- Progenitors -- Judgment day -- Crackdown and crash -- Resurrection and renewal -- Copyright wars -- Masters of invention -- Evolutionary imperative -- Superman and Captain America on trial -- The King and The Man -- Legacy.
Summary:
"Empire of the Superheroes is a history of the creation and evolution of America's comic book superheroes, as revealed through the experiences of the young creators that built the myth and medium but did not profit from it. From the seminal introduction of Superman in 1938--when comics were ten cents per copy and considered pulp fiction for kids--the superhero genre has transformed into a global phenomenon and multi-billion-dollar business. From its genesis, Superman and the lineage of superheroes he inspired evolved in tandem with licensing and merchandising deals that built the comic book publishing business that ultimately grew into multi-media entertainment empires. But only a few of the artists and writers who created the popular and enduring heroes behind this success managed a share in it--the publishers owned the copyrights and made and profited from the lucrative licensing deals"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.