From the debut of Superman in 1938 through Marvel’s Comics’ Civil War storyline this year, superhero comic books have made an indelible mark on American culture. The current popularity of stories and characters originating in comic books has expanded interest in the medium and in the superhero genre which itself incorporates a variety of other genres. Moreover, recent scholarship has striven to define the superhero’s unique relationship to American culture. Submissions that address the ways the comic book superhero represents, constructs, and distorts American culture are welcomed.

For consideration, please send the following information to William Svitavsky (bsvitavsky@rollins.edu) by 12/03/07

1. Paper title and abstract/proposal (300-500 words)
2. Brief vita or one-paragraph biography.
3. Complete personal information: name, department, academic affiliation, mailing address, and e-mail address.
Worthwhile topics include (but are not limited to):
Race and the Superhero
Gender and the Superhero
Superheroes and Nationalism
Religion and the Superhero
The Superhero in the Media
The Superhero and Identity
The 2008 Florida Conference of Historians meeting is hosted by Jacksonville University at the Comfort Inn in Jacksonville Beach, FL Special Room Rate of $89.00 per night.