Required Course Texts
There are so many great comic books and graphic novels out there, I had a really difficult time just settling on a few key books. In the end I chose books that had been well received by critics and would allow us to discuss interesting critical issues related to the concept of the superhero. Below are the books we’ll read this semester. I defy you to find a class with a more interesting and entertaining set of readings. ‘Nuff said!
- Astonishing X-Men, Vol. 1: Gifted (Graphic novel about the mutant superhero team The X-Men by the writer of the T.V. series Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Written by Joss Whedon, Art by John Cassaday; New York: Marvel Comics, 2004; ISBN 0785115315; “Make mine Marvel”)
- Identity Crisis (Graphic novel about the Justice League of America in a more contemporary, CSI-esque world; Written by Brad Meltzer, Art by Michael Bair; New York: DC Comics, 2005; ISBN 1401206883)
- Maus I – A Survivors Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegel (Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel; New York: Pantheon Books, 1986; ISBN 0394747232)
- The Science of Superheroes by Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg with a foreword by Dean Koontz (book exploring the scientific accuracy of super hero origin stories)
- Superman on the Couch: What Superheroes Really Tell Us About Ourselves and Our Society by Danny Fingeroth with a foreword by Spider-Man creator Stan Lee (psychology book)
- Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud (reading theory book)
- Watchmen by Alan Moore by Alan Moore, author, & Dave Gibbons, artist (graphic novel)
Required Course Packet
A course packet will be required for the course. More details about this packet will be given out in class. The course packet will contain excerpts from a variety of texts, likely including:
- Excerpt from The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon (Pulitzer Prize winning novel)
Comic Book Films
The course will likely include viewing these films:
- Unbreakable