The Saber and Scroll
In his research of comic books and American society , Jeffrey K . Johnson said Miller showed through “ The Dark Knight Returns ” that both society and comic book heroes are “ overly violent , self-righteous , and self-absorbed , and should not be praised for these qualities .” 65
As the Cold War finally ended and the 1990s began , comic books continued with more violent , vigilante content , but some of the most popular series of this decade focused on characters reimagined for a generation gearing up for a new millennium . The new Spider-Man and X-Men comics that came out in 1990 and 1991 became the most popular of the decade and featured classic superhero style and stories packaged in colorful , flashy packaging . 66 These characters mirrored the hopes of a decade focusing on the future and reflected the “ unencumbered energy and enthusiasm ” released after the Cold War ended . 67 By the end of the 1990s , Superman — once thought to be invincible and unstoppable — died , the original Spider-Man and Batman quit their superhero jobs , and new publishing houses , characters , and forward-looking stories emerged . 68
Comic books have been colorful mirrors to America ’ s fears , hopes , desires , and culture since their creations in the early twentieth century . These fictional characters and stories often alluded to or directly addressed current events , figures , and war , and helped shape the country ’ s social history . For readers during times of war , comic books “ promote different ideologies or specific economic or political positions ,” and provided an entertaining , fictional outlet to see their emotions , confusion , and questions portrayed in printed panels . 69 These books depicting the unreal and the fantastic were once considered lowbrow entertainment for children with little educational or historical value . What we can see with comic books published during war , however , is a basis in reality that may not detail exactly how America ’ s conflicts played out but does show how the American public felt about World War I , the Great Depression , World War II , the Cold War , and the beginnings of the War on Terror . Through the lens of comic books , society ’ s feelings about war evolved from patriotism , moral superiority , and fear , to anxiety , skepticism , and eventually relief and hope for a brighter , super heroic future .
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