Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: are superheroes Republicans? on The avengers, Star trek, and Watchmen -- Batman as terrorist, technocrat and feudal lord -- Wonder Woman as World War II veteran, feminist icon, and sex symbol -- Spider-Man as Benedict Arnold, objectivist, and class warrior -- The punisher as murderous immigration officer and Vietnam War veteran -- Superman vs. Ronald Reagan and the Ku Klux Klan -- The special relationship: Britain and America in James Bond, Doctor Who, and Hellblazer -- Tortured consciences: Jack Bauer, The Invisible Woman, and George W. Bush's America -- Gay rights, civil rights, and Nazism in the X-Men universe -- In brightest day, in darkest knight: President Obama vs. The zombie apocalypse.

"This critical text examines the seventy-year history of comic book superheroes on film and in comic books and their reflections of the politics of their time. Superheroes addressed include Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Superman, the Invisible Woman and the X-Men, and topics covered include American wars, conflicts, and public policy"--Provided by publisher.