Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero : Metaphors, Narratives, and Geopolitics

Nationalist superheroesOCosuch as Captain America, Captain Canuck, and Union JackOCooften signify the OC nation-stateOCO for readers, but how do these characters and comic books address issues of multiculturalism and geopolitical order? In his engaging book "Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero," geographer Jason Dittmer traces the evolution of the comic book genre as it adapted to new national audiences. He argues that these iconic superheroes contribute to our contemporary understandings of national identity, the righteous use of power, and the role of the United States, Canada, and Britain in the world. Tracing the nationalist superhero genre from its World War II origins to contemporary manifestations throughout the world, "Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero" analyzes nearly one thousand comic books and audience responses to those books. Dittmer also interviews key comic book writers from Stan Lee and J. M. DeMatteis to Steve Englehart and Paul Cornell. At a time when popular culture is saturated with superheroes and their exploits, "Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero" highlights the unique relationship between popular culture and international relations. Nationalist Superheroes--such As Captain America, Captain Canuck, And Union Jack--often Signify The 'nation-state' For Readers, But How Do These Characters And Comic Books Address Issues Of Multiculturalism And Geopolitical Order? In His Engaging Book Captain America And The Nationalist Superhero, Geographer Jason Dittmer Traces The Evolution Of The Comic Book Genre As It Adapted To New National Audiences. He Argues That These Iconic Superheroes Contribute To Our Contemporary Understandings Of National Identity, The Righteous Use Of Power, And The Role Of The United States, Canada, And Britain In The World. Tracing The Nationalist Superhero Genre From Its World War Ii Origins To Contemporary Manifestations Throughout The World, Captain America And The Nationalist Superhero Analyzes Nearly One Thousand Comic Books And Audience Responses To Those Books. Dittmer Also Interviews Key Comic Book Writers From Stan Lee And J.m. Dematteis To Steve Englehart And Paul Cornell. At A Time When Popular Culture Is Saturated With Superheroes And Their Exploits, Captain America And The Nationalist Superhero Highlights The Unique Relationship Between Popular Culture And International Relations.--publisher's Website. Introducing Nationalist Superheroes -- Gendered Nation-state, Gendered Hero -- Embodying Multiculturalism -- Origins -- Narratives Of Continuity And Change -- Grounding The Nation-state -- Geopolitical Orders -- Alternate Worlds -- Parody And Subversion. Jason Dittmer. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Acknowledgments1 Introducing Nationalist Superheroes2 Gendered Nation-state, Gendered Hero3 Embodying Multiculturalism4 Origins5 Narratives of Continuity and Change6 Grounding the Nation-state7 Geopolitical Orders8 Alternate Worlds9 Parody and SubversionAfterwordNotesReferencesIndex