Superman and the Bible: How the Idea of Superheroes Affects the Reading of Scripture

"This study explores the Man of Steel's narrative as a fresh perspective on readings of the Bible--his character is reflected in such figures as Moses, Samson and Jesus. The author argues that we cannot read the Bible without reading Superman"--

Publisher Marketing: In 1938, Superman debuted, jumping off the pages of Action Comics #1. In the cultural context of the Great Depression and World War II, the U.S. would see the rise of the superhero not only in comic books but in radio programs, animated cartoons and television shows. Superman forever changed one's concept of the hero and became permanently engrained in both American and worldwide culture. This study explores the Man of Steel's narrative as a fresh perspective on readings of the Bible--his character is reflected in such figures as Moses, Samson and Jesus. The author argues that if we read the Bible it can be said we are reading about Superman. Biographical Note : Nicholaus Pumphrey is an assistant professor of religious studies and curator of the Quayle Bible Collection at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. He has published articles on comic books and religion, and Muslim comic book characters. Table of Contents : Table of Contents Acknowledgments Preface Introduction 1. Reading Is Fundamental: Intertextuality and the Comic Canon 2. Creation of Superman 3. What Is a Hero? 4. The Deconstruction of Superman: Redefining a Genre 5. The Book of Judges and Superman 6. Superman as Messiah: Moses and Jesus Conclusion Chapter Notes Bibliography Index Publisher Marketing : In 1938, Superman debuted, jumping off the pages of Action Comics #1. In the cultural context of the Great Depression and World War II, the U.S. would see the rise of the superhero not only in comic books but in radio programs, animated cartoons and television shows. Superman forever changed one's concept of the hero and became permanently engrained in both American and worldwide culture. This study explores the Man of Steel's narrative as a fresh perspective on readings of the Bible--his character is reflected in such figures as Moses, Samson and Jesus. The author argues that if we read the Bible it can be said we are reading about Superman. Contributor Bio: Pumphrey, Nicholaus Nicholaus Pumphrey is an assistant professor of religious studies and curator of the Quayle Bible Collection at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. He has published articles on comic books and religion, and Muslim comic book characters.

Format: Paperback | Pages: 214 | Publication Date: 2019-02-19