Comments on: The Supergirls: Fashion, Feminism, Fantasy, and the History of Comic Book Heroines

By: Midwest Book Review

Midwest Book Review — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:58:54 +0000

Any comics or graphic novel library needs THE SUPERGIRLS: FASHION, FEMINISM, FANTASY AND THE HISTORY OF COMIC BOOK HEROINES. It provides a cultural history of comic book heroines and asks whether their fantasy world has connections to our own, offering a fine survey of different super-women in comic history and crime fighting. Any long-time comic book reader will relish this blend of scene re-creation and social analysis.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: LGGarrison

LGGarrison — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:32:32 +0000

It’s a great history of female superheroes in comic books and how they reflect society and its changing values. The book includes all the well-known characters: Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Lois Lane, Jean Grey, Storm, and the Invisible Woman. But also includes a lot of interesting, obscure characters: I didn’t realize Batwoman was introduced in the 50s and had never heard of Elasti-girl.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Brian Griffith

Brian Griffith — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:13:02 +0000

This is a tale of unfolding public fantasy. It’s the evolution of female heroes through the decades, which ties in with developments in fashion, film, politics and music. In exploring the comic books, Madrid touches off light-shows of memories and associations. It’s fascinating and playful.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Aerialgirl

Aerialgirl — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:34:31 +0000

I really enjoyed Mike Madrid’s overview of female superheroines, but i thought it really needed some illustrations to illuminate his points. I realise copyright would have been involved but It can’t have been impossible. I just wanted pictures in my head of how the art styles, body types and especially the costumes had evolved over 60 years. All in all a great, quick read which makes me want to explore further…
Rating: 3 / 5