Mythologisation of Superman : an exploration of the persisting modern myth and its function

Abstract

This dissertation attempts to place the great American comic book hero, Superman, amongst other significant mythological figures by utilising Joseph Campbell's monomyth and the structure of the hero's journey. Furthermore, by looking in to the history of the character, this dissertation will highlight the philosophy behind Superman as well as exploring the American ideals that form a part of the mythos' identity.

The first chapter acts as a general introduction to comic books, presenting aspects of the subculture and going through its history in regards to Superman. This will then lead in to a more in-depth look at the creation of the Superman myth in chapter 2, detailing the foundation built at the inception of the character and how that would be refined in to what would become the most recognisable version of Superman.

Chapter 3 looks in to the American influence of the Superman comics and its representation of the American dream. Chapter 4 analyses Lex Luthor, Superman's main antagonist, and outlines his ideology and how it comes in to conflict with Superman's ideals detailed in the previous chapter.

The fifth chapter utilises the structure of the hero's journey in order to reinforce the mythic nature of the character as well as to highlight what separates him from older mythic figures and how the myth aligns with American folklore. The concluding chapter presents a different side of the comic book industry and the realities that occur within it, as well as presenting what the personal significance of a character like Superman has on its readership.