Ink, Mirrors, and Capes: How Comic Books Mirrored Societal Events in American Culture from 1954 to 1990

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2017-01-01

Type of Work

Department

History

Program

Historical Studies

Citation of Original Publication

Rights

This item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by UMBC for non-commercial research and education. For permission to publish or reproduce, please see http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/specoll/repro.php or contact Special Collections at speccoll(at)umbc.edu
Distribution Rights granted to UMBC by the author.

Abstract

"Ink, Mirrors, and Capes: How Comic Books Mirrored Societal Events in American Culture from 1954 to 1990" follows the history of feminism within American comic books. Comic books have been reliant on social events and norms to remain relevant to readers; however, writers, artists, and editors have influenced young readers' perceptions of gender. The comics examined in this theses includes those produced and released by well-known comic book companies Marvel Comics and DC Comics as well as independent and small comic book companies. Feminism influenced the comic book industry by shaping plots and characters, as well as influencing female geek culture. Comic book writers and artists in turn also influenced American culture.