Superman and the Bible: How the Idea of Superheroes Affects the Reading of Scripture

In 1938, Superman debuted, jumping off the pages of Action Comics #1. In the cultural context of the Great Depression and World War II, the U.S. would see the rise of the superhero not only in comic books but in radio programs, animated cartoons and television shows. Superman forever changed one's concept of the hero and became permanently engrained in both American and worldwide culture.

This study explores the Man of Steel's narrative as a fresh perspective on readings of the Bible--his character is reflected in such figures as Moses, Samson and Jesus. The author argues that if we read the Bible it can be said we are reading about Superman.

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Superman and the Bible: How the Idea of Superheroes Affects the Reading of Scripture

In 1938, Superman debuted, jumping off the pages of Action Comics #1. In the cultural context of the Great Depression and World War II, the U.S. would see the rise of the superhero not only in comic books but in radio programs, animated cartoons and television shows. Superman forever changed one's concept of the hero and became permanently engrained in both American and worldwide culture.

This study explores the Man of Steel's narrative as a fresh perspective on readings of the Bible--his character is reflected in such figures as Moses, Samson and Jesus. The author argues that if we read the Bible it can be said we are reading about Superman.

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Superman and the Bible: How the Idea of Superheroes Affects the Reading of Scripture

Superman and the Bible: How the Idea of Superheroes Affects the Reading of Scripture

by Nicholaus Pumphrey
Superman and the Bible: How the Idea of Superheroes Affects the Reading of Scripture

Superman and the Bible: How the Idea of Superheroes Affects the Reading of Scripture

by Nicholaus Pumphrey

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Overview

In 1938, Superman debuted, jumping off the pages of Action Comics #1. In the cultural context of the Great Depression and World War II, the U.S. would see the rise of the superhero not only in comic books but in radio programs, animated cartoons and television shows. Superman forever changed one's concept of the hero and became permanently engrained in both American and worldwide culture.

This study explores the Man of Steel's narrative as a fresh perspective on readings of the Bible--his character is reflected in such figures as Moses, Samson and Jesus. The author argues that if we read the Bible it can be said we are reading about Superman.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781476633886
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date: 01/31/2019
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 214
File size: 4 MB
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Nicholaus Pumphrey is an assistant professor of religious studies and curator of the Quayle Bible Collection at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. He has published articles on comic books and religion, and Muslim comic book characters.
Nicholaus Pumphrey is an assistant professor of religious studies and curator of the Quayle Bible Collection at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. He has published articles on comic books and religion, and Muslim comic book characters.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
1. Reading Is Fundamental: Intertextuality and the Comic Canon
2. Creation of Superman
3. What Is a Hero?
4. The Deconstruction of Superman: Redefining a Genre
5. The Book of Judges and Superman
6. Superman as Messiah: Moses and Jesus
Conclusion
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
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