About the book
In 1997, the superhero movie was all but dead. The last Superman flick had been released a decade earlier to disastrous reviews and ticket sales. The most recent Batman film was a franchise-killing bomb. And an oft-promised Spider-Man feature was grounded. Yet a mere five years later this once-derided genre would be well on its way to world domination at the box office and even critical respectability. How did this happen? And why, two decades later, does the phenomenon show no sign of abating?
Here, for the first time, is an extensively researched soup-to-nuts history of the superhero movie, from the first bargain-basement black-and-white serials to today's multiverse blockbusters. Chronicling eight decades of stops and starts, controversies and creators, good guys and bad guys--onscreen and off--this entertaining account explains how and why our entertainment universe came to be overpowered by costumed crimefighters and their nefarious counterparts.
Editions of Superheroes Smash the Box Office
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781476676661
- EBook
- ISBN 9781476650111
Read an Excerpt
In 1997, the superhero movie was all but dead. The last Superman flick had been released a decade earlier to disastrous reviews and ticket sales. The most recent Batman film was a franchise-killing bomb. And an oft-promised Spider-Man feature was grounded. Yet a mere five years later this once-derided genre would be well on its way to world domination at the box office and even critical respectability. How did this happen? And why, two decades later, does the phenomenon show no sign of abating?
Here, for the first time, is an extensively researched soup-to-nuts history of the superhero movie, from the first bargain-basement black-and-white serials to today's multiverse blockbusters. Chronicling eight decades of stops and starts, controversies and creators, good guys and bad guys--onscreen and off--this entertaining account explains how and why our entertainment universe came to be overpowered by costumed crimefighters and their nefarious counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Superheroes Smash the Box Office about?
In 1997, the superhero movie was all but dead. The last Superman flick had been released a decade earlier to disastrous reviews and ticket sales. The most recent Batman film was a franchise-killing bomb. And an oft-promised Spider-Man feature was grounded. Yet a mere five years later this once-derided genre would be well on its way to world domination at the box office and even critical respectability. How did this happen? And why, two decades later, does the phenomenon show no sign of abating?
Here, for the first time, is an extensively researched soup-to-nuts history of the superhero movie, from the first bargain-basement black-and-white serials to today's multiverse blockbusters. Chronicling eight decades of stops and starts, controversies and creators, good guys and bad guys--onscreen and off--this entertaining account explains how and why our entertainment universe came to be overpowered by costumed crimefighters and their nefarious counterparts.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Superheroes Smash the Box Office?
The Arts > Performing arts > Films, cinema > Film: styles and genres
Where can I read a sample of Superheroes Smash the Box Office?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781476676661
How long is Superheroes Smash the Box Office and how many pages does it have?
Superheroes Smash the Box Office has 248 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Superheroes Smash the Box Office?
Shawn Conner
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Superheroes Smash the Box Office is available as paperback(ISBN 9781476676661) and ebook(ISBN 9781476650111)
Where can I buy Superheroes Smash the Box Office online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Superheroes Smash the Box Office from below
Where can I buy Superheroes Smash the Box Office?