Multiplicity and Cultural Representation in Transmedia Storytelling: Superhero Narratives [Paperback]

1. Why Superheroes and Comics?  2. Black Panther  3. Disney and Multicultural Characters  4. U.S. Asian, Black and Latino Storytellers Create Their Own Superheroes  5. Home-Grown Superheroes: Superheroes Across the Globe

Natalie Underberg-Goode is Professor and Assistant Director, Games and Interactive Media, at the University of Central Florida.

This book explores the relationship between multiplicity and representation of non-European and European-American cultures, with a focus on comics and superheroes.

This book explores the relationship between multiplicity and representation of non-European and European-American cultures, with a focus on comics and superheroes.

The author employs a combination of research methodologies, including close reading of transmedia texts and interviews with transmedia storytellers and audiences, to better understand the way in which diverse cultures are employed as agents of multiplicity in transmedia narratives. The book addresses both commercial franchises such as superhero narratives, as well as smaller indie projects, in an attempt to elucidate the way in which key cultural symbols and concepts are utilized by writers, designers, and producers, and how these narrative choices affect audiences  both those who identify as members of the culture being represented and those who do not. Case studies include fan fiction based on Marvels Black Panther (2018), fan fiction and art created for the Moana (2016) and Mulan (2020) films, and creations by both U.S.-based and international indie comics artists and writers.

This book will appeal to scholars and students of new media, narrative theory, cultural studies, sociocultural anthropology, folkloristics, English/literary studies, and popular culture, transmedia storytl!