The American Superhero

This comprehensive encyclopedia offers an essential deep dive into the history of American superheroes, chronicling the evolution of caped crusaders from 1938 to 2010. It compiles vital information on 100 iconic characters, drawing from a rich array of sources including original comic book issues, print and online references, and scholarly analysis. The book presents this material in an intentionally inclusive manner, ensuring a broad representation of superheroes and superheroines across the decades. Readers will find a detailed chronology of pivotal moments alongside thematic explorations of the genre's development.

What makes this reference work particularly valuable is its synthesis of pop culture ephemera and academic insight, providing both casual fans and serious scholars with a definitive resource. The inclusive approach to cataloging these characters offers a more complete picture of the superhero's role in American culture than many previous histories. Anyone seeking to understand the cultural impact, historical context, and evolving representation within the superhero genre will find this an indispensable guide to the figures who have shaped our modern mythology.