The heroine's journey echoes through ancient legend, as each young woman combats her dark side and emerges stronger. Of course, this quest is also a staple of the most American of mythologies-comic books. With her fabled birth, Wonder Woman exemplifies a new female-centric creation story. After this, the lasso or Witchblade or totem necklace offers each superhero semidivine power. Batgirl, Batwoman, and Black Widow discover their great enemy is the dark mother or shadow twin-all the savagery they've rejected in themselves. On her new television show, Supergirl has a similar struggle but must also restore harmony with her closest bond of all-her sister. From Jessica Jones and Catwoman to the new superwomen of cutting-edge webcomics, each heroine must descend into the darkest place of all, not to become a warrior-hero but a savior. Thus women like Captain Marvel and Storm sacrifice all to join the ranks of true superheroes. At the same time, their earthshaking feminine powers and dazzling costumes spin the most ancient tales, offering the world an extraordinary new popular mythos.

About the Author
Valerie Estelle Frankel has been a storyteller, an award-winning novelist, and a lecturer at San Jose State University. She currently teaches English at Mission College. The author of 50 popular culture books and more than 100 stories and essays, she lives in Sunnyvale, California, USA.


Book Information
ISBN 9781476668789
Author Valerie Estelle Frankel
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc