Super Black

American Pop Culture and Black Superheroes

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Film, History & Criticism, Performing Arts, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Super Black by Adilifu Nama, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Adilifu Nama ISBN: 9780292742529
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: October 1, 2011
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Adilifu Nama
ISBN: 9780292742529
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: October 1, 2011
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

Super Black places the appearance of black superheroes alongside broad and sweeping cultural trends in American politics and pop culture, which reveals how black superheroes are not disposable pop products, but rather a fascinating racial phenomenon through which futuristic expressions and fantastic visions of black racial identity and symbolic political meaning are presented. Adilifu Nama sees the value—and finds new avenues for exploring racial identity—in black superheroes who are often dismissed as sidekicks, imitators of established white heroes, or are accused of having no role outside of blaxploitation film contexts.

Nama examines seminal black comic book superheroes such as Black Panther, Black Lightning, Storm, Luke Cage, Blade, the Falcon, Nubia, and others, some of whom also appear on the small and large screens, as well as how the imaginary black superhero has come to life in the image of President Barack Obama. Super Black explores how black superheroes are a powerful source of racial meaning, narrative, and imagination in American society that express a myriad of racial assumptions, political perspectives, and fantastic (re)imaginings of black identity. The book also demonstrates how these figures overtly represent or implicitly signify social discourse and accepted wisdom concerning notions of racial reciprocity, equality, forgiveness, and ultimately, racial justice.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Super Black places the appearance of black superheroes alongside broad and sweeping cultural trends in American politics and pop culture, which reveals how black superheroes are not disposable pop products, but rather a fascinating racial phenomenon through which futuristic expressions and fantastic visions of black racial identity and symbolic political meaning are presented. Adilifu Nama sees the value—and finds new avenues for exploring racial identity—in black superheroes who are often dismissed as sidekicks, imitators of established white heroes, or are accused of having no role outside of blaxploitation film contexts.

Nama examines seminal black comic book superheroes such as Black Panther, Black Lightning, Storm, Luke Cage, Blade, the Falcon, Nubia, and others, some of whom also appear on the small and large screens, as well as how the imaginary black superhero has come to life in the image of President Barack Obama. Super Black explores how black superheroes are a powerful source of racial meaning, narrative, and imagination in American society that express a myriad of racial assumptions, political perspectives, and fantastic (re)imaginings of black identity. The book also demonstrates how these figures overtly represent or implicitly signify social discourse and accepted wisdom concerning notions of racial reciprocity, equality, forgiveness, and ultimately, racial justice.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Sanctioning Modernism by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book Texian Iliad by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book Alejo Carpentier by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book Tragedy Offstage by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book City of Suppliants by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book A Political Education by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book Hereditas by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book Stable Peace by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book The Southeast Maya Periphery by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book Reading between Designs by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book Henry Bumstead and the World of Hollywood Art Direction by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book In These Times the Home Is a Tired Place by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book The Lancelot-Grail Cycle by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book A Cuban in Mayberry by Adilifu Nama
Cover of the book Kitchenspace by Adilifu Nama
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy