For Friday: Landis, Superman: American Alien, “Eagle,” “Angel,” and “Valkyrie”





Answer TWO of the following:

Q1: In “Angel,” Pete is arguing with Clark about the future of Superman and what role he intends to play in society. He finally tells him, “Superman will never be able to retire.” What is it that Pete sees that Clark doesn’t here? Why is Superman bigger than one hero or one alien or one costume? (and related to this, why should he start talking to the other people who are  “like him” in the world)?

Q2: In “Eagle,” Clark reflects that “It feels good to help people. No, I’m not afraid…what’s there to be afraid of?” What hasn’t he figured out yet about being a super hero, and how do the next three stories show him why there’s a lot to be afraid about? Also, why is a superhero more than simply saving lives and feeling good about yourself?

Q3: “Valkyrie” is the only comic that doesn’t have the name of a bird. What is a Valkyrie, and why is this significant to the comic? Why end the bird metaphors with this title? What changes in this comic that we don’t see completely (or as developed) in the others?

Q4: Each one of these comics is about taking a large step into adulthood from the illusions (and delusions, sometimes) of childhood. If we stop reading this as a superhero comic and consider that it symbolizes what we all go through in this process, which comic relates the most to our journey? What can Superman teach us about our own identity as we become a new, more responsible person capable of saving the world day in, and day out?

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