 |
 |
Lots to debate here, especially given UK input to American superhero figures... Would suggest lots of scope here for everyone to contribute. Best Mel Apologies for cross-posting. Not Just The American Way: Screen Superheroes in National, International and Transnational Contexts The figure of the superhero is primarily seen as an American one, dominated by Marvel and DC comics and their adaptations across multiple media. These superhero franchises operate across media networks within many of the world's global markets, influencing local representations of heroism and being altered to meet local expectations of the superhero in turn. American culture and, indeed, American superheroes play significant roles in these phenomena and historically have often led the way in debates around the representations around superheroes in culture. However, super-powered and costumed heroes are not just American in origin; they appear in screen media across many cultures, whether as the anti-social teenagers of Britain's Misfits, India's alien-empowered Krrish or Japan's Ultraman. This collection examines super-heroes and heroines as they travel around the world, exploring the figure of the superhero beyond the North American context. As such, we are interested in the local, international and transnational manifestations of superheroes, as well as in their reach beyond their originating contexts. Furthermore, we are seeking papers on the importance of the superhero to global media markets. Potential subjects include, but are not limited to: Local and national superheroes outside the United States US superheroes in global markets Co-produced superheroes Transmedia franchising and the superhero Superheroes on TV Iconography and aesthetics The reception of the superhero Gender, sexuality and ideology and the superhero Marketing the superhero internationally Geographically dislocated superheroes Cultural specificity of the superhero Special effects and the superhero in film and/or television Superhero adaptations Industrial and narrative origins The geography of superheroes International cultural flows and exchanges in superhero phenomena Abstracts of no more than 250 words should be sent no later than 31st July 2011 to: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> Please see the blog for this project at http://superheroesonscreen.blogspot.com/ <http://superheroesonscreen.blogspot.com/> The collection will be edited by Rayna Denison, Derek Johnston and Rachel Mizsei-Ward. --------------------------------------------------------