The Smallville Chronicles

Critical Essays on the Television Series

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Television, History & Criticism
Cover of the book The Smallville Chronicles by , Scarecrow Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780810881310
Publisher: Scarecrow Press Publication: September 9, 2011
Imprint: Scarecrow Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780810881310
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Publication: September 9, 2011
Imprint: Scarecrow Press
Language: English

In 2001, yet another adaptation of the Superman comic book came to television. Lasting 10 seasons, Smallville took the traditional Superman story and turned it into an American teen action drama about Clark Kent's life at high school—before he donned the famous blue tights and red cape. Instead of depicting Superman's clashes with criminals in Metropolis, the show focused on how Clark first developed his powers and learned to cope with girls, school, and teenage angst. Although largely overlooked by critics and derided by Superman fans who regarded it as too far a departure from the comic book canon, Smallville nonetheless endeared a whole new generation of viewers. The setting, style, narrative, and cast of fresh-faced actors suggested that the Superman story was not only ready for a makeover but also still relevant for a post-9/11 American audience.

In The Smallville Chronicles: Critical Essays on the Television Series, scholars examine the multiple narratives of the Smallville universe. Addressing issues related to gender, sexuality, national identity, myth, history, and politics, these essays explore how the series uses the Superman story to comment on contemporary social issues. Additional essays investigate the complex relationship the show's audience has with the characters through blogging, fan fiction, visits to filming locations, and the creation of websites.

As the first book-length study specifically focused on the Smallville television series, this collection is an excellent text for studies in science fiction, fandom, and teen television scholarship, and it will also have general appeal to fans of the show.

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

In 2001, yet another adaptation of the Superman comic book came to television. Lasting 10 seasons, Smallville took the traditional Superman story and turned it into an American teen action drama about Clark Kent's life at high school—before he donned the famous blue tights and red cape. Instead of depicting Superman's clashes with criminals in Metropolis, the show focused on how Clark first developed his powers and learned to cope with girls, school, and teenage angst. Although largely overlooked by critics and derided by Superman fans who regarded it as too far a departure from the comic book canon, Smallville nonetheless endeared a whole new generation of viewers. The setting, style, narrative, and cast of fresh-faced actors suggested that the Superman story was not only ready for a makeover but also still relevant for a post-9/11 American audience.

In The Smallville Chronicles: Critical Essays on the Television Series, scholars examine the multiple narratives of the Smallville universe. Addressing issues related to gender, sexuality, national identity, myth, history, and politics, these essays explore how the series uses the Superman story to comment on contemporary social issues. Additional essays investigate the complex relationship the show's audience has with the characters through blogging, fan fiction, visits to filming locations, and the creation of websites.

As the first book-length study specifically focused on the Smallville television series, this collection is an excellent text for studies in science fiction, fandom, and teen television scholarship, and it will also have general appeal to fans of the show.

More books from Scarecrow Press

Cover of the book Street Lit by
Cover of the book Literature Search Strategies for Interdisciplinary Research by
Cover of the book Rusalka by
Cover of the book Marty Robbins by
Cover of the book Willie Dixon by
Cover of the book The A to Z of Feminist Philosophy by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses by
Cover of the book The 50 Most Dynamic Duos in Sports History by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Austria by
Cover of the book Sondheim on Music by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of the George W. Bush Era by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Cinema by
Cover of the book The Lost-Found Nation of Islam in America by
Cover of the book Starting an Archives by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Classical Music by
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