e126. Reconstructing Deconstructed Superheroes

Ever since the mid 1980s and the publication of Watchmen comics, their creators, and their fans, have been obsessed with the idea of “deconstruction.” Director Zack Snyder is extremely fond of the term. He argues that he is “deconstructing superheroes” every time he gets the chance. But what does that really mean? To most fans, it honestly probably means “there’s a bunch of murder in this book, a lot of destruction, and if we’re lucky, maybe a boob or two.” To many deconstruction means “grim and gritty,” and that’s it. But that’s not really accurate. On today’s show, Wayne and Mav are joined by Matthew Brake and A. David Lewis to talk about exactly what superhero deconstruction is, from its roots in the literary theory of Jacques Derrida through its modern usage in the comic book medium. And if we can deconstruct superheroes, then what does it mean to put them back together? Join us as we try to reconcile the popular usage of the term with the academic and discuss what we can really get out of superhero deconstruction anyway. Listen and then let us know what you think in the comments below.

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