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Geraghty, Lincoln, ed. The Smallville Chronicles: Critical Essays on the Television Series. Lanham: Scarecrow, 2011. Added by: joachim (9/7/15, 10:48 AM) Last edited by: joachim (9/7/15, 11:12 AM) |
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| Resource type: Book Language: en: English ID no. (ISBN etc.): 978-0-8108-8130-3 BibTeX citation key: Geraghty2011 Email resource to friend View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: "Superman", Adaptation, Collection of essays, Superhero, TV, USA Creators: Geraghty Publisher: Scarecrow (Lanham) |
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In 2001, yet another adaptation of the Superman comic book came to television. Lasting 10 seasons, Smallville took the traditional Superman story and turned it into an American teen action drama about Clark Kent’s life at high school—before he donned the famous blue tights and red cape. Instead of depicting Superman’s clashes with criminals in Metropolis, the show focused on how Clark first developed his powers and learned to cope with girls, school, and teenage angst. Although largely overlooked by critics and derided by Superman fans who regarded it as too far a departure from the comic book canon, Smallville nonetheless endeared a whole new generation of viewers. The setting, style, narrative, and cast of fresh-faced actors suggested that the Superman story was not only ready for a makeover but also still relevant for a post-9/11 American audience. In The Smallville Chronicles: Critical Essays on the Television Series, scholars examine the multiple narratives of the Smallvilleuniverse. Addressing issues related to gender, sexuality, national identity, myth, history, and politics, these essays explore how the series uses the Superman story to comment on contemporary social issues. Additional essays investigate the complex relationship the show’s audience has with the characters through blogging, fan fiction, visits to filming locations, and the creation of websites. Table of Contents Acknowledgments (v) I. Texts and Contexts (1) II. Audiences and Metatexts (87) Index (173) |