SGCC Learning Package: Behind the Mask

Adults & Seniors

by LearnX Arts

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SGCC Learning Package

 

Behind the Mask - Heroes Reimagined 

 

The curated collection showcases the unexpected and often bizarre narratives that defy conventional superhero tropes, revealing the complexities and peculiarities of iconic characters through retcons (retroactive continuity) and surprising twists. It highlights the broader implications of identity and heroism within the superhero genre.   

  • Book Recommendations

    1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles : Saturday morning adventures. 

    Author: Robertson Scott 
    Format: eBook 
    Publisher: San Diego, CA : IDW Publishing, 2023 

    Saturday morning adventures Vol 1. features a day in the life shenanigans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with the retro lens of the 80s. This book is a great introduction to new readers and something nostalgic for TMNT fans.   

    https://nlb.overdrive.com/media/7345C43C-0345-4845-A4A2-8E4B16205CC3 

    2. Daredevil & Echo 

    Author: Taboo 
    Format: eBook 
    Publisher: New York, NY : Marvel Worldwide, 2023 

    In Daredevil & Echo, two unique heroes team up to investigate disappearing children and face the Demogoblin’s plan to awaken an ancient evil. Racing against time, they dive into Hell’s Kitchen’s underbelly to save lives and stop the looming threat. 

    https://nlb.overdrive.com/media/75E18397-8BC5-4E3A-8B47-7D2493D37F3C 

    3. My hero academia : vigilantes. Vol. 1 

    Author: Hideyuki Furuhashi 
    Format: Book 
    Call No.: 741.5952 FUR-[CMX] 
    Publisher: San Francisco, CA : VIZ Media LLC, 2018 

    This spin-off manga follows vigilantes working outside the official hero system, offering a fresh take on heroism and morality. With a diverse crew of justice-seekers, it provides a unique perspective on life in a world shaped by quirks. 

    https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=203174311 

    4. Superman: Secret Identity 

    Author: Kurt Busiek 
    Format: Book
    Call No.: 741.5973 BUS-[ART] 
    Publisher: Burbank, California : DC Comics, 2015 

    This mini-series reimagines Superman as a fictional character in a world where Clark Kent discovers he has Superman’s powers. Spanning his life, the story explores how his abilities shape identity and relationships, offering a profound take on humanity through superhero tropes. 

    https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=202673334 

  • Videos

      


    1. Superhero Comic Artist: Behind the Scenes 

    In Superhero Comic Artist: Behind the Scenes by The Wall Street Journal, artist Sean Chen shares his 20-year journey creating iconic superhero covers. Featuring Spider-Man, Iron Man and Wolverine, Chen demonstrates his process by transforming host Wendy Bounds into a superhero, offering rare insights into comic art creation. 

      


    2. The Complete Canon Origin of Wolverine 

    The Complete Canon Origin of Wolverine by MerryMarvelite explores the intricate backstory of Marvel’s iconic antihero. This episode delves into Wolverine’s key moments, from his debut to his evolution across comics, offering a comprehensive guide for both new and long-time fans. 
     

      


    3. Why Superheroes are Modern Mythology 

    This video explores how superheroes serve as modern mythology, drawing parallels between legendary figures of the past and contemporary heroes. It highlights the timeless themes of power, identity, and struggle, showing how superhero stories reflect societal values. 

  • Articles


    1. Understanding Superhero Comic Books Interview with Alex Grand & N. Scott Robinson, Ph.D. 

    An interview with Alex Grand and N. Scott Robinson, Ph.D. which explores the history and evolution of superhero comics. It discusses how creators have shaped the genre and provides a broader context for understanding the development of unique superhero characters. 

    https://comicbookhistorians.com/understanding-superhero-comic-books-with-alex-grand-n-scott-robinson-ph-d/ 

     

    2. CHAPTER 1 · PART 1 Making Superhero Texts Mean: Charting Hostile Waters Recovering the Radical Promise of Superheroes: Un/Making Worlds, 2023, pp. 55-102 (48 pages) 

    Making Superhero Texts Mean: Charting Hostile Waters examines the ideological struggles within superhero narratives. Highlighting the tension between creators and fan interpretations, it explores how these texts become arenas for conflicting meanings, revealing the genre's depth and cultural significance. 

    https://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.8665550.5 

     

    3. Marvel Comics' Frankenstein: A Case Study in the Media of Serial Figures 

    Shane Denson 

    Amerikastudien / American Studies, Vol. 56, No. 4, American Comic Books and Graphic Novels (2011), pp. 531-553 (23 pages) 

    This study highlights the serial nature of comics, where characters like Frankenstein's Monster are reimagined across storylines. This evolving narrative offers ongoing commentary on societal issues, exploring themes of monstrosity, humanity and ethical dilemmas of creation and responsibility. 

    https://www.jstor.org/stable/23509428 

     

    4. Recovering the Radical Promise of Superheroes: Un/Making Worlds 

    Recovering the Radical Promise of Superheroes: Un/Making Worlds by Ellen Kirkpatrick explores the superhero genre as a space of ideological struggle. It critiques mainstream constraints, highlighting how fan practices and creator dynamics reveal the genre's potential to challenge norms and reimagine identities. 

    https://www-jstor-org.proxy.lib.sg/stable/jj.8665550 

     

    5. Useful Play: Historicization in Alan Moore's "Supreme" and Warren Ellis/John Cassaday's "Planetary" 

    Orion Ussner Kidder 

    Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts, Vol. 21, No. 1 (78) (2010), pp. 77-96 (20 pages) 

    Useful Play: Historicization in Alan Moore's "Supreme" and Warren Ellis/John Cassaday's "Planetary" analyzes how these comics deconstruct superhero conventions through historical references and meta-narratives. It suggests that historicization offers a deeper understanding of identity, power and the cultural significance of superheroes. 

    https://www.jstor.org/stable/24352338 

     

    6. “Truth, Justice and the American Way”: The Intersection of American Youth Culture and Superhero Narratives 

    The article Truth, Justice and the American Way explores how superhero stories shape and reflect American youth culture. It examines the values of justice and heroism within these narratives and their impact on youth identity, societal ideals and evolving generational values. 

    https://pubs.lib.uiowa.edu/iowa-historical-review/article/1636/galley/110633/view/ 

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