What I found most interesting of the Silver Age of Comics unit, is that there seemed to be a trend towards deeper character development, including a shift towards characters that the readers could more easily identify with. Certainly this is evidenced by the newer X-men, as realized by Chris Claremont, as the series came to include characters of many different ethnic backgrounds, including the development of Mageneto’s Jewish background. Spiderman as well, shows evidence of a character more easily identified with by the readers. Certainly teenagers at the time, welcomed this average guy character, who when bit by a radioactive spider becomes super-human, but yet remains so human in the respect that he still has girlfriend issues, etc.
Perhaps most shocking to me in this week’s readings, were the pictures in Kaplan’s From Krakow to Krypton, and story regarding Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four comic series. When I look at this image on page 35, all I see is Darth Vader. The author tells us that George Lucas has never admitted to using Doctor Doom as “inspiration” for Darth Vader. I find this a bit ridiculous. It is fairly obvious to anyone in a side by side comparison, that these two characters are long lost identical twins. Does anyone else feel that it is probably about time that Lucas come clean and thank Lee & Kirby for providing him inspiration?
In addition, the Silver Age saw the emergence of underground comics (or comix), who found their outlet in head shops across America. I’d be very interested to have the opportunity to peruse such items in person some day. I am sure that some interesting cultural dynamics can be found and analyzed within their pages. Does anyone know if there are any shops in the area that carry old comic books (or comix)?
George Lucas ripped off tons of other sources of pop culture, mythology, etc.... in some interviews I've seen him mention his debts to other culture makers, but it's both astounding and a good example of cultural homage/pastiche.
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