Arrow and Superhero Television

Essays on Themes and Characters of the Series

by James F. Iaccino

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Pub Date Nov 01 2017 | Archive Date Sep 30 2017

Description

This collection of new essays focuses on The CW network’s hit television series Arrow—based on DC Comic’s Green Arrow—and its spin-offs The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl. Comic book adaptations have been big business for film studios since Superman (1978) and in recent years have dominated at the box office—five of the 11 highest grossing films of 2016 were adapted from comics. Superheroes have battled across the small screen for considerably longer, beginning with The Adventures of Superman(1952–1958), though with mixed success. The contributors explore the reasons behind Arrow’s success, the series’ representation of bodies, its portrayal of women, its shifting political ideologies, and audience reception and influence on storylines.

Advance Praise

“Insightful, thorough, and thought-provoking. This fascinating book offers a unique lens for viewers to both learn about and more deeply enjoy the superhero genre in television and movies.”—Ryan M. Niemiec, Psy.D., author of Positive Psychology at the Movies and Movies and Mental Illness;

“Debuting on The CW in 2012, Arrow was meant to fill the void left by the end of Smallville. The series has been fairly successful throughout its broadcast run which is why it is surprising that it has taken so long for someone to undertake a scholarly analysis of the series. The new book Arrow and Superhero Television: Essays on Themes and Characters of the Series, edited by James F. Iaccino, Cory Barker and Myc Wiatrowski, serves to do just that and is a welcome addition to McFarland’s popular culture listings. Essays in this collection explore a wide variety of the themes running throughout the series—such as the dance between liberal and conservative politics and the focus on objectification of the male body—as well as noting how fan interest and activism have shaped the course of the series’ storylines. I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in Arrow and the superhero genre."—Sherry Ginn, editor of Marvel’s Black Widow from Spy to Superhero.