The Saber and Scroll Journal • Volume 9 , Number 4 • Spring 2021
From Captain America to Watchmen : Comic Book Superheroes and War in Twentieth Century America
Chelsea Tatham Zukowski American Public University
Abstract
Since their beginnings in the early twentieth century through the post-Cold War era , comic books have entertained readers while also reflecting American cultural ideals amid war and political conflict . Almost every comic book character and superhero ever created in the United States was some sort of reflection of the political or cultural climate in which it was created . It would take volumes to categorize and analyze all the characters ’ and superheroes ’ wartime influences , but this survey chronicles the major characters that shaped wartime comic books from World War I through the post-Cold War era following decades of constant conflict . Those characters are Superman , Captain America , Wonder Woman , Iron Man , the Incredible Hulk , Spider-Man , The Dark Knight , and Dr . Manhattan . These characters ’ stories were not solely about their respective time period ’ s conflict , but their personalities and heroic missions were deeply entrenched in those era ’ s fears , hopes , and cultural ideals . Despite the comic book medium only recently being included and analyzed for its historical scholarship value , this research shows comic books as primary sources for a critical understanding of how American society grappled with war through entertainment .
Keywords : Comic books ; superheroes ; popular culture ; war ; the Great War ; World War II ; Cold War ; War on Terror ; Captain America ; Superman ; Iron Man ; The Dark Knight ; war culture
Del Capitán América a Watchmen : superhéroes del cómic y guerra en los EE . UU . del siglo XX
Resumen
Desde sus inicios a principios del siglo XX hasta la era posterior a la Guerra Fría , los cómics han entretenido a los lectores y al mismo
5 doi : 10.18278 / sshj . 9.4.2