Keeping It Unreal

This compelling exploration of Black superheroes in comics examines how fantasy and desire intersect with racial identity through the lens of popular culture. Darieck Scott presents a sophisticated analysis of characters like Nubia and other Black figures in the superhero genre, investigating how these fantastical representations challenge and reshape cultural narratives. The book moves beyond simple character studies to explore what the author terms "fantasy-acts"—the ways these figures perform identity through both power and vulnerability.

Scott's work stands out for its intellectual depth and willingness to engage with the erotic dimensions of superhero fantasy, making it particularly valuable for college students and scholars studying comics, African American studies, or cultural theory. While the academic approach may challenge younger readers, those interested in critical race theory or the deeper cultural significance of comic book characters will find rich material for discussion and analysis. This thoughtful examination ultimately reveals how Black superheroes create new possibilities for imagining identity and liberation.