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This book examines the role of sidekicks in superhero narratives, offering insight into their contribution to the hero's journey and growth through the use of distinctly human qualities like compassion, empathy, or courage.
List of contents
Chapter 1 Learning to Spin the Hero Web: Adult Mentorship That Inspires and Empowers in Spider-Man Stories
Mary T. Christel
Chapter 2 Foggy Nelson: A Journey from Best Friend to Hero in Daredevil
Gian S. Pagnucci
Chapter 3 From Typical Teen to Sidekick: The Transformation of Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Jennifer Marmo
Chapter 4 The Wakanda Design Group
Walter D. Greason
Chapter 5 Overcoming Great Fear: Jessica Cruz, Mental Illness, and the Green Lantern Corps
Eric Hasty
Chapter 6 What it Means to be Noble: An Examination of Donna Noble's Importance within the Doctor Who Universe
Ariel Mickey
Chapter 7 Mission Control: Barbara Gordon's Oracle Breaks the Mold
Stephen M. Zimmerly
Chapter 8 Iris's Impact and Inspiration: The Importance of Iris West in The Flash
Jennifer L. Toney
Chapter 9 Hermione as the Hero: Using Empathy and Connection to Save the Wizarding Community and Educate the Wizard's Ego
Melissa Caliendo & Kerry Carley Rizzuto
Chapter 10 What I Need Is You: The Partnership of Bruno Carrelli and Kamala Khan in the Ms. Marvel Comics
Margaret A. Robbins
Chapter 11 You Be the Hero, I Remain the Sidekick?: Rick Jones' Quest to Save Humanity
Anke Marie Bock
Chapter 12 Agent Margaret 'Peggy' Carter: Captain America's Moral Compass
Christopher Jeansonne
Chapter 13 Alfred Pennyworth, a Superhero's Mentor: Understanding Effective Mentorship Through Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy
William O. George III, Wendy Gray Morales, & Jacob George
Chapter 14 Humans and Gods: Steve Trevor and Etta Candy Navigating Wonder Woman's Universe
Maryanne A. Rhett
About the author
Sandra Eckard is professor of English at East Stroudsburg University.
Alex Romagnoli is the Chair of Special Education and associate professor of English Education at Monmouth University.
Summary
This book examines the role of sidekicks in superhero narratives, offering insight into their contribution to the hero’s journey and growth through the use of distinctly human qualities like compassion, empathy, or courage.
