Comic books have been around as long as the pyramids, after all what are hieroglyphics but pictures that tell a story? Okay seriously though, comics have been a staple of American pop culture since the advent of Superman in 1938. Some educators have actually been using comics to teach. Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and Maus by Spielberg are just a couple that have found their way into college courses. Just like music, they can capsulate the culture. Looking at the superheroes of the late 50’s and early 60’s Super-Man and Spider-Man where easily the most popular.
But when contrasted with some of today’s most popular characters, such as The Punisher or Wolverine, we can see a mirror image of the cultures they were written in. For instance, the alter ego of Super-Man and Spider-Man are both heterosexual males in monogamous relationships, they have respectable jobs, clearly defined morals and close family relationships. The alter egos of the Punisher and Wolverine do not. They have no clear morality, no families an no jobs, if the ends justify the means then whatever it takes to get the job done is acceptable. Educators can show students a snapshot of the difference between today and 50 years ago through the panels of comic books.
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