Comic Connections

This book focuses on defining heroic traits in popular characters such as Superman, Batman, or Daredevil, while offering a scholarly perspective on how to analyze character and identity in ways that would complement any literary classroom.

Sandra Eckard is an associate professor of English at East Stroudsburg University, where she teaches writing, works with English Education students, and directs the Writing Studio, a tutoring spot for students. She specializes in teaching writing, tutoring writing, and using popular culture in the classroom.

Introduction Chapter 1: Superman Made "Real": Teaching the Hero Cycle with Kingdom Come Carissa Pokorny-Golden and Karen Sahaydak Chapter 2: The Man With Identities: Utilizing Daredevil as an Artifact for Literary Analysis Alex Romagnoli Chapter 3: Who is the Greatest Superhero? Using Comics to Explore the Concept of Heroism Gian S. Pagnucci Chapter 4: Truth, Justice, and the American Way: Exploring American Identity Throughout History in Superman Narratives J. Eric Hasty Chapter 5: Who We Are vs. Who We Wish To Be: Examining Heroism through Comics and Canonical Literature Eric Federspiel and Luke Rodesiler Chapter 6: Visualizing the Hero Complex: Using Batman Year One for Visual and Character Analysis Michael Cook and Jeffrey S. J. Kirchoff Chapter 7: Teaching the Body of the Nation: Captain America and Masculinity Lee Easton About the Author