Anatomy of the Superhero Film [Hardcover]

This book addresses what a superhero body can do by developing several x-rays of the superbodys sensoria, anatomic structures, internal systems, cellular organizations, and orthotic, chemical, or technological enhancements. In short, these x-rays offer what we might describe as a metamorpho-physiological approach to the superheroes in feature films, theatrical cartoon shorts, and Netflix television series. This approach examines the ways in which the substance of superheroes, which includes their masks, costumes, chevrons, weapons, and auras, extends into the diegetic environment of the film, transgressing it, transforming it, and corporealizing it, making it emblematic of the shape, dimensions, contours, and organismic workings of one or more of our major organs, members, orifices, fluids, or cell clusters. Thus the superhero film, as this study claims, works to make us more aware of the mutability, adaptability, modifiability, and virtual capabilities of our own flesh.

Chapter 1. X-Ray Visions: An Introduction to an Anatomy of the Superhero Film

Chapter 2. Chart 1: An X-Ray into the Endo-Prosthetic Superbody

Chapter 3. Chart 2: An X-Ray into the Exo-Prosthetic Superbody

Chapter 4. Chart 3: An X-Ray into the Epi-Prosthetic Superbody?

Chapter 5. Chart 4: An X-Ray into the Ecto-Prosthetic Superbody

Chapter 6. Imaging Results: An Addendum on Superhuman Embodiment

Larrie Dudenhoeffer teaches film studies, comic studies, and critical theory as an Associate Professor of English at Kennesaw State University, USA. He is author of?Embodiment and Horror Cinema (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014).