Miss writing

Updating this Blog

This started out as a review blog for a class I had last year, but I think from this point on I will take it up again but continue it as a recommendation/ review blog of sorts. Including my favorite books, movies, shows,etc… so stay tuned if interested. To be continued?…

Wow last reading Post?!

This class has made me appreciate a lot more the concept of the super hero and re-imagine as far complex than I ever gave it credit for. I think I won’t ever look at Batman and Superman or any superhero quite the same again, but can’t say I’m not looking forwards quite a bit more for the superhero film trend to continue. Anyway I should be all caught up on posts, so fellow classmates feel free to browse around, sorry in advance for the numerous typos, I’ve had such a hectic semester, mostly all my assignments got submitted in a fray of misspellings and typos to the frustration of many. Yet, if you can stick it through I’m sure you’ll find the interest and thought but behind each post. Anyway it’s been fun.

Just realized I never really did an about me entry like most of you did. So here’s a small one:

Hi! My name’s Alejandra, this is my senior year, I hope if I survive all these final assignments to graduate this semester. I’m a Lit. major with a minor in journalism although you would not be able to tell through my apprehension for editing . Anyways I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and the lively discussions in class, nest of luck to everyone.
–

Annotated Bibliography

The prospectus is posted below, this is just my annotated bibliography.

Dittmer, Jason “Captain America’s Empire: Reflections on Identity, Popular Culture, and Post-9/11 Geopolitics.Taylor & Francis

                     Annals of the Association of American Geographers  .Vol. 95, No. 3 (Sep., 2005) , pp. 626-643

                      http://www.jstor.org/stable/3693960nnals

This article argues primarily that Captain America serves as a symbolism of “American ideals” in more ways than just the uniform. As stated by Dittmer “Captain America serves as a cultural product that vaguely and invisibly connects the reader (usually young and male, aspiring to heroism), through the body of the hero, to the scale of the nation… [which] is necessary for the construction of  temporarily bounded state occupied by  cohesive nation” (Dittmer 628), in other words superhero storyline, serve to provide a model for citizens to want to emulate. He thus is  a represenatton in each new adaptation of current American ideals. It further goes through the history of the original comics and explores the captain transformation, from literally a representation of American military.  He points out how arguably, Captain America “is patristic without being a governmental stooge;he is self-made, rugged individualistic  who still cares about his community and nation; he is willing to stand up for what he believes in but is ultimately defensive of the status quo” (633).  He also notes the significance of how the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are portrayed in the comics after 911. Focusing on how the new adaptation of Captain America in that year, coincided with the tragedy of 911, and how the event was represented in the series.  He makes a point to point out the Caps. reaction to the event of mourning and anger, and that the comic poises war as not a choice but something “America has be imposed” in.

Emily J. Ozer and Daniel S. Weiss “Who Develops Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?“Current Directions in Psychological

                      Science  Vol. 13, No. 4 (Aug., 2004) , pp. 169-172: Sage Publications, Inc. Who Develops Posttraumatic Stress

                      Disorder? http://www.jstor.org/stable/2018294

It illustrates a study done on PTSD triggers, and attempts to understand the disease better. t points out how their are more questions than solutions to this disorder. it attributed it primarily t those exposed to combat and or traumatic events. Such as those experienced by Steven Rogers and Bruce Wayne.  According to  the article it is prevalent in communities that have experienced war violence, political repression, armed civil conflict, all triggers to which our superheroes have been exposed to.

Weiner, Robert.” Captain America, post Traumatic Disorder, and the Vietnam War” .Captain America “Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero: Critical Essays“.McFarland, 2009.http://www.Googlebooks.com

Stresses how Captain America has morphed from the patriotic solider stereotype to a more complex persona.  It notes how it is in the 1960-70’s comics in which he struggles with PTSD.  It attributes the fact that he wakes up with no moral support years after his trauma to the reason he is portrayed as  reluctant leader with baggage.  It highlights many of the symptoms associated with PTSD, which both Batman and Captain America portray. Such as feeling of isolation, persistent expectation of betrayal,  and persistent interest with military connections and or past enemies.  It stresses his lack of support and connection to the modern world as big contributor to his troubles. Also acknowledges readers response and preference to this PTSD dominated hero.

Nolan, Christopher. “The Dark Knight Rises”.

A reluctant, semi-retired, superhero, still mourning the loss of his childhood love Rachel, who was lost as “war” collateral in his battle against the Joker, in unable to resist the calling to help protect his citizens, although they have turn his back on him.

Miller, Frank. “The Dark Knight”

A retired superhero “solider” , having PTSD like war withdrawals. Can’t resist returns to the “battle” defying hinted at governmental authority, and must face off against “Superman” the epitome of the American hero.

Whiedon, Joss”The Avengers”. Marvel Studios.

Shows a just re-vied Captain America thrust into a leadership position

Russo, Anthony and Jo.”Captain America: The Winter Solider”.

Reluctant Captain America, forced to overcome PTSD, like flashbacks of his participation in WWII and the death of his best friend and comrade Bucky. Shows a disillusioned American solider rebelling against orders and fighting for his idea of truth and justice.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

Didn’t notice I has to post our outside Supers related assignment prior to Spring Break. Anyway I decided to start the ABC t.v show ” Agents of S.H.I.E.LD. ”  ,  so far I’ve only got caught up with the first two episodes. First impression, wow, instant hook. They reel you in first with  emotional empathy seen between a father and son, in which we have a down on money and luck father, super powered man who   can’t afford to buy his son a action toy, after not having a job for awhile. The action hook comes within in the first 10 minutes with a burning building, trapped woman, and the man (Mike), quickly putting a hood on to hide his face (secret identity) and saving her while shying away from attention although he could use it to get publicity and potentially money.  Reminiscent of Coogan’s three superhero rules within the first 10 minutes, superpower, mission, and secret identity. The three rules is split up though into different characters, not within one character’s story, making this  show not about one specific  ” Super hero” per sea  but rather a show about superheroes. The secret identity in that the general public does not know the identity of the seemingly super powered man that saved the woman from the burning building.  Mike is super powered yet he lives a double life in that the public does not know he is superpowers. The mission  can be seen though the lens of the “S.H.I.E.LD. ” agents attempting to not only recruit him but stop him from turning to the “dark side” fully due to side affects from the poison that altered him in the first place. This pilot episode had all the making of a X-men style superhero origin.

The second episode reminded me, sticking with the X-men theme, of the “X-men Evolution”  t.v. series I saw in my childhood and the first comic of the “X-men ” series we read in class. in that it centered on building a relationship between these advanced talented individuals. It had 5 different members Skye (the hacker),  Leo Fitz the engineer, Jemma the rocket scientist, and Agent Ward the hand to hand combat specialists? all led by a seemingly all knowing experienced older leader Coulsan. Similarly as in the first X-men comic we read in class, we saw Xavier as the leader of a group of teenage super skilled/powered individuals (The Beast, Cyclops, Bobby, Jean).  They at first bicker but after being put into the category of them vs. us they bond, forming a sense of a unified other. By the end of this episode we see them bonded by the fact that their special skills can be used to complete missions, we see a bond formed out of a sense of duty to use their skills/powers to save those less qualified to save themselves, as often has been seen all semester with the superhero’s we’ve encountered.

April 13 PDF readings

What I noticed in Jack Kirby’s and Mike Rover’ s ” Orion Fights for Earth” comic was a theme of associating being a “Super” for lack of a better word, a lot with destiny.  Take for example the following quotes:

“My destiny is Battle! I Wield mighty power of the Astro-force! it is a grim and fearful responsibility!”

(Three exclamations for emphasis!!!)

“Has the source written for me a fool’s destiny?”

“… to help you on your great destiny”

For Orion it is evident he views it a will of “the source” (God) for him to be a savior. This is something we have yet to really encounter with superheros before, usually they view it as a act of Patriotism, as i it is there obligation as good citizens.

Yet, there seems to be this minimized contradiction of free-will and destiny. For the elder, states

” But it does not decide! The right of choice is ours”, when referring to the idea that the “source” (god) doesn’t decide one’s future/responsibility, that it is a choice. Returning to the ageless argument, do we have free will if we accept the belief of destiny?

There also seems to be an underplay of anger/resentment towards “the source”, towards life from quite a few characters, which becomes a little more obvious with the following quote,”Life is the evil here and death the great goal”. We have yet to encounter this in  a comic before, this association with death as a goal, rather than a sacrifice.

Another idea I found interesting was this idea of the next generation as being revered, usually it is the elders one most show honor and respect for, but the following quote switches up the status quo, “First We Bow To The Young They Are the carrier’s of life”.

Overall this comic was more that just your typical origin story it had a lot of interesting overlapping themes.

In the comic “New Gods” we become more familiar with Darkseid, yet I was more drawn to the outrage felt by Izaya when he’s wife is hurt by carelessness. It is now a common motif to use in comics now, the idea of avenging the fallen damsel if not rescuing. Although it was interesting that she was super powered in her own right, and seemed to have some agency in her brief introduction.   It was a very Eve and Adam introduction, mixed with a sort of religious doctrine sort of comic, with the introduction of the idea that the “The new Gods were formless and aimless in deed” .

In the “Green Lantern/ Arrow” comic #76 of “No evil shall escape my sight”, we see this controversy between destiny and free will again addressed when Lantern struggles to decide whether to follow the guidelines laid by his “source” accept their methods as his destiny, or change it in accordance to his changed viewed of the world. Here we are faced with the foil between the “good boy scout” and the “rebel”, their are two types of heroes portrayed here, for lack of a better explanation, the cliche, of the government’s army vs. the people’s solider. The idea that one can deviate from their appointed roles by challenging authority and breaking rules, therefore gaining the ability to choose their own paths/destinies is shown here with the presence of Arrow challenging at every turn Lantern’s ideals, ultimately steering a rift between Lantern and his “source”.  Does an individual have the right to challenge authority and decide for themeselves what is right or wrong?

X- Men week

This week is “X-men” Week.

In “X-men” #1, the first thing that stood out to me was the Jean Grey who from my childhood days of watching the animated versions of “X-men” and “X-men Evolution” always knew her as the Phoenix but never as Ms. Marvel.  In this first issue, we are already seeing what we as a class have noted as reoccurring themes. Such as the idea that superheroes need to hide their powers because “the human race is not ready to accept those with extra powers!” hence the alias names like, The Beast (Hank), Cyclops (Scott), etc.. Also the idea of needing to train to their powers in order to help better mankind. Their mission is to “protect mankind from those… those evil mutants”. I thought it was interesting when the Sargent at the end of the comic states “I will not ask you to reveal your true identities…”, because with most of the superheroes we’ve encountered their civilian entities are the fake and not the heroic ones.

#59 This issue unlike issue one has the reader jump right into the action, seemingly war among super-humans in space? A lot of characters are introduced Scarlet witch, Quick Silver, and of course Wolverine.  The action tone of this particular comic is evokes through the vibrant colorization, primarily of light colors like yellow. With exception of memory scenes where things are grey.

X-Men Uncanny #135-137’s is the “Phoenix’s” story arc. I found surprising how much so the idea of women, with absolute power was sexualized. They kept referring to the fact that she would derive pleasure from the corruption. This so far has been one of my favorite story arcs that we have encountered, not because of Jean’s charter because I quite frankly don’t find her very appealing, but because of the them of duality. The idea of being forgiven for your sins because it is another you unleashing havoc. We get here another doctor Hyde and Jekyll scenario.  The first thematic line that caught my interest was the comparison of Jean to a beautiful, all powerful vengeful Goddess. Placing in her as a parallel to perhaps the Zeus mythology.

The “Avenger” in “The Anengers”: Captain America

What caught my attention in this past weeks readings was Captain America! The first thing I noticed reading “Avengers” #1, is the original avengers aren’t those I’ve come to know in the film adaptations. I thought it was strange to have a Norse God need a secret identity. The Thor in the film adaptations is stubborn, strong, and confident not at all the mild mannered doctor version of him we see in Dr. Don Blake.  Although it is reminiscent of Greek mythology when Gods would take the form of humans to enact their will, but unlike in those scenarios  it usually was just a momentary thing not an everyday act. A progressive feminist detail I noticed in this first issue of the “Avengers” is that Wasp (the female member) of the team has wings while her partner needs to rely on his ant relay? contraption to fly, making her the more evolutionary advanced of the two. In fact it seems to be intentionally mentioned that the Hulk although leaps cannot fly, and Iron man uses rockets, and Thor’s flight is limited to his hammer, making her the only member to have the ability to fly on her own. Yet, she too is stereotyped, and in a more obvious way,  she is quickly made into the “lovesick female”, negating the independence of her wings.  She also later on needs to be saved my Iron man.  The only hiccup I found with this issue is they don’t explain why Thor parades around as a mortal doctor, and it feels like there is a little “too” much  going on, plot wise.

The “Avengers” #4 issue was

What first stood out to me that I hadn’t noticed in other issues, is the a recommendation to save the comic itself rather than an advertisement for another issue.  I also found it interesting that for the first I feel a male superheroes look are emphasized. Such as referring to Captain America’s head as the “handsome head”, referencing his clear blue eyes.  Captain America is an interesting character, I feel he is more complex than in issue #1 of his series. From the very beginning of the issue he seems torned like he is hunted by the events of his past. He clearly want to forget the fact that he the hero was not able to save someone he cared about, referring to the idea of memory as a luck he is lacking.  An interesting tid bit to notice is the fact that he is associated with the “bad guy” when the alien foe states ” you might feel pity instead of the raw hatred I see mirrored in your eyes. His story arc in this issue is reminiscent a arguably PSTD like hero, as encountered with Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight”.  Yet, soon the hallucinations, and haunting memories morph into a “new mission”. He finds comfort in re-joing the battle with “The Avengers” although interestedly enough he refers to them as “a new crop costumed figthers”, creating a differentiating category between him an newer superheroes.  This PSTD like Captain seems to be carried over into “Captain America” issue number 107 where we encounter a fearful captain of going mad, by his guilt and sense of loss. He is well aware of his situation, for as he phrases it, “If it Doesn’t stop [he’ll] go out of [his] mind”. He like Batman in “The Dark Knight” is hunted by his failure to save his ward, yet at the end they are able to overcome there “illness” by getting back in the “game”.

“Humanizing the Hero”

What I particularly found appealing in today’s reading of “The Fantastic Four” and “The Amazing Spider-man” is that they gave us a look into “normal” teenage angst and everyday problems and worries. Starting from Johnny’s line ” we are like ants… just ants…ants!!!” ( F.F. #50), reminding the reader that these heroes are not foreign Godlike beings but humans with mortality that were simply cursed/blessed with enhanced abilities.  For, example we see heart break at a “long distance” relationship, an “impossible” Romeo and Juliet scenario with Johnny’s (The torch) and his lady love (Crystal). We see him pinning away and angry at the fact he was forced by his “elders) (Ben Grimm) to do the logical and practical thing and leave her behind. Yet, in common “teenage love” one can not see the logic and practical aspects of life beyond their heighten teenage passion.  Same scenario can be seen in the love triangle between Alice, the Silver Surfer, except it’s the angst of unrequited love.

I particularly enjoyed reading these later comics of Spider-man because its the first instance in this class where one has seen the civilian not as the alter ego for the super but rather the other way around. Meaning unlike Bruce, Diana, and Clark who all appear to be merely characters/parts/roles that the actors, Batman, Wonder-women and Superman are playing, Peter is the actor (the real person behind the character) and Spider-man is merely a character he plays. Its refreshing to see an emphasis away from the supernatural aspect of the comics, and have our heroes face something not supernatural/ political, something completely social and or human. For, example Peter must deal with the fact that his beloved aunt is frail and ill, and not be able to do anything about it, although we see him try to use force . It is this grief stricken angry, depressed, enraged Peter that makes him so far the most “human” hero we have met yet. For it is a common human to feel a sense of desperation when facing the mortality of loved one,a  desperation to save them at all costs.It’s interesting to see him for once be the object of desire/interest for the female lead (Gwen) rather than do the chasing like Clark did of Louis, it’s refreshing to have him show no interest in her, which in typical modern Rom Com fashion only makes her obsess the more over him. Similar is his relationship with Betty, he unlike Clark is the one being chased, while he feels a male stereotyped need to be her protector even it is from himself. It makes him more relate-able the fact that he isn’t hugely over masculine like Batman and or Superman, that he is sarcastic, and doesn’t have the economical advantages of Bruce. he truly is a regular man, with no luxury, no advanced perks of life other than he happened to get bitten by a radioactive spider. I enjoyed the fact that we got to see him struggle with everyday problems like bills, illness, and bullying, because it made him all the more interesting. As well as his compassion and concerned for others feelings. For as ends comic 33 he ” is a nice boy”.

“Just a Bit …Different”

Deduction Marvel is “Just a bit… different”. Yet, it appears certain motifs, symbols, and themes remain the same.

For, example a reoccurring theme is the need to assert the masculinity and strength of the heroes.  In  Fantastic Four number 1 Susan Storm ac causes Ben of being not “man enough when, she states  “I— I never thought that you would be a coward” -Susan Storm. Which immediately causes Ben Grimm to prove his masculinity by partaking in a dangerous mission. He proclaims “A Coward!! Nobody calls me a coward…” – Ben Grimm (11). A theme we also see in Spider-man when he feels his acquired powers finally enable him to prove his manliness, after being diminished by his peers as not the ideal man.  Constantly getting comments such as “peter for the umpteenth time you’re just not my type… not when dream boats like Flash Thomson are around” (2) Sally

Another theme is the idea that super powers make them the other. As stated in Fantastic Four ”  You’ve turned into monsters both of you!!!” – Johnny (15). Similar sentiments being expressed by the Hulk. This idea hat they have been deformed, altered.

Yet, ultimately this role as the other is accepted and morphed into a obligation to mankind. “We’ve gotta use that power to help mankind, right?” (15) Ben Grimm making said individual’s  glad for their fortune.  As expressed by the Hulk when he states”I’m glad it happened, I rather be me than that punny weakling in that picture” After acceptance usually a plan is formulated by our heroes as seen in “The Amazing Spiderman” when he states “I’ve got to plan what I’ve got to do with this unbelievable ability fate has given to me!” . The narrator restates this motivation, purpose with the following quote., ” with great power there must also come— great responsibility!” (11) Narrator. The Hulk , The Amazing Spiderman, and the fantastic four heroes All depict heroes created by accidental twists of fate. Depicting the idea that fate chooses the hero not the individual. They typically seem to choose intellectuals that appear to be outcast by their peers. Begging the question does Marvel have a recurring theme of the alienated intellectual?