Literature in Tights

The first association one has with comic books is superheroes. Unfortunately, most of this association has been associated with another word: fluff. While most of the literary praise around the graphic novel industry has gone to more "true-to-life stories," the same contributions to the super hero story has found it's way into the hearts of critics. Starting in the mid-eighties, literary circles began realizes there were some powerful contributions to the literary world coming from these superhero comic books. In particular, The Dark Knight Returns and The Watchman were hailed as masterpieces. What makes the superhero stories so powerful is the idealization of character. When this idealized character is found fallible, the audience feels both sympathy and understanding. It is a difficult world. Even the best and brightest will make errors, have bad days, and experience defeats.

Lessons in a Cape

These are stories that the reader will enjoy finding everyday issues portrayed in an informative, yet understated way. The characteristcs and emotions displayed are very human and very real.

O'Neil, Dennis. The Green Lantern Green Arrow Collection. New York: DC Comics, 2000

During the 1970's, a few writers felt that comic books had to grow up to retain readers. What had been aimed largely at children before, began to broaden its audience as a means of survival. One of the first series to push the industry forward was the new Green Lantern/Green Arrow series. Writer Dennis O'Neill created a story line in which Green Lantern and Green Arrow began to confront inner demons. They'd look at problems in society. Unlike some writers today, this title managed to talk about important issues without thinking it was even more important than those causes. Green Lantern is socially very conservative and Green Arrow is quite liberal. They constantly argue about the rights of individuals and how to go about reducing crime. However, their personal disagreements do not impede their effectiveness as a crime-fighting team. The important aspect of these comics was the writer's attempted to open a dialogue between different ideologies that, at their essence, want a better world for all.

Waid, Mark. Fantastic Four: Imaginauts. New York: Marvel Books, 2003

While they are heroes and scientists, the Fantastic Four is a family first. This family comes complete with warts and all. Although they argue endlessly, they really do love one another. Along with a creative and compelling story line, this is ultimately tale of love and happiness. This can be considered quite a contrast to the more popular "noir" and"dark" stories prevalent in many mediums of today, including the comics.

I'm Different, I'm A Mutant

We all have felt different or unwanted at times. These are the types of comics that really emphasize these feelings. Doing good works is not always recognized and minor errors are often exaggerated. These authors have their fingers on the pulse of this dilemma, demonstrating time and again how no matter what we do, sometimes someone will not accept who we are. Prejudices are unfair, and these comics really let a reader know they are not alone in this feeling of frustration.

Lee, Stan. Marvel Masterworks presents The Amazing Spider-Man Volume I. New York: Marvel, 1998

This collects Spider-Man's very first adventures, from the early 1960s. Written by Stan Lee and drawn by Steve Ditko, these are widely considered classics and seminal works. Spider-Man non-fiction (secretly high-school student Peter Parker) was the first superhero with the problems of an average person: he was an insecure teenager with an infirm aunt, constantly low on money, in trouble with girlfriends, and ridiculed by peers. Most importantly, he learned "with great power comes great responsibility."

Morrison, Grant. New X-Men Vol. 1: E is for Extinction. New York: Marvel Books, 2002

Deep down, X-Men is a story of tolerance and intolerance, acceptance and not being accepted. In a world where humans have made mutants the victims of horrible discrimination, Professor Xavier's School For The Gifted is a sanctuary. Constantly dealing politically with humans who don't want them on the same planet, and battling other mutants who want to clear earth of humans, the X-men have to find an acceptable medium. They're trying to protect the people who wish them gone. They fight against others who are more like them. Also, they have to keep gifts and talents which makes them unique and special, a secret so as not to frighten others. Morrison's literary skills are demonstrated within the collected issues in this trade paperback. Intricately, he weaves clues and omens into every scene, building detail upon detail until the final result is devastating.

Deconstructing the Superhero Myth

How do you defeat a superhero? Look into his heart. These comics turned the seemingly sublime world of the superhero into a world of constant second guessing, guilt, and loneliness. Admiration for these heros grew to higher lenghths as we could now relate to the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel.

Bendis, Brian Michael. Powers: Who Killed Retro Girl? Orange, CA: Image Comics, 2001

Heroes glide through the sky on lightning bolts and fire. Flamboyant villains attempt daring daylight robberies. God-like alien creatures clash in epic battle over the night-time sky. And on the dirty city streets below, homicide detective Christian Walker does his job. He has to investigate the shocking murder of one of the world's most popular superheroes, Retro Girl. Walker has teamed up with spunky rookie, Deena Pilgrim, as the murder investigation takes them from the seediest underbelly the city has to offer to the gleaming towers that are home to immortal beings. As hidden truths about Retro Girl come to light, Walker finds that to solve this crime, he may have to reveal a dark secret. Artist Oeming's dynamic use of shadow and perspective, contribute surprising impact to the simply drawn characters.

Jurgens, Dan. World Without a Superman. New York: DC Comics, 1993

This collection of the enormously successful "Funeral for a Friend" storyline recounts the aftermath of the death of the Man of Steel. A great deal is discussed about Superman's influence on a number of people, from friend, to villain, to street peddler. However, the most touching and the true driving force of the story is how the people close to Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent, react. Lois, Clark's parents, and even Jimmy Olsen are portrayed with a very real sense of grieving. Each scene with any of them sure makes you think how these people looked up to the man of steel. The mythos surrounding Superman is stripped away and you get a real feel for the man himself.

Miller, Frank. The Dark Knight Returns. New York: DC Comics, 1986

Batman has been retired by Bruce Wayne for ten years. However, the growing crime in Gotham City has overpowered his desire to forget it all. New and old foes arise to challenge order in the city. The social and political setting provides for as much a challenge as Wayne's aging body. Written at a time of questioning policy, this tale refers often to the necessity of remaining tough and vigilant in the face of communist or insurgent aggression, promotes harsh punishment for crime, and suggests that "coddling" these groups has an undermining effect. The real gem of this story is Batman's total lack of glory and the harsh, thankless job he wishes he was not compelled to undertake.

Moore, Alan. Watchmen. New York: DC Comics, 1986

Inspired by comic-book heroes, "Masked Adventurers" have guarded high crime areas since the 1930s. Branded as vigilantes and banned in 1977, they withered away or submitted to government supervision. It is now 1985, a former adventurer is murdered and there has been an attempt on the life of another. Who could be perpetrating these attacks and why? However, the main plot is just a vehicle to link the individual, flashback filled portrayals of masked heroes in the real world. Moore's sharp writing and ability to create atmosphere makes the story vivid. Among the characters are strong personalities filled with underlining clash. There are sharp differences between the characters' philosophies despite being compelled to do the same strange thing for the same goals.