Batman Narratives

In this seminar we will study Batman comics, animation, live action films, and videogames from different time periods in order to understand how this American character has become one of the most influential icons of contemporary popular culture in almost every medium. Through theories of adaptation, pastiche, and parody, we will explore how Batman narratives reflect the development of nationalism in the U.S., and mainstream perceptions of race, gender, and class throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Texts will include The Killing Joke, The Dark Knight Returns, Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, the Arkham videogame series, and others. 3 hrs. sem.