Bücher von Valerie Estelle Frankel

This book analyzes Jewish tropes in popular science fiction ranging from Star Trek and Marvel to other prominent franchises. Sometimes the representation is subtle and thought-provoking; other times, it is limited to cliche and oversimplification of characters. The chapters in this collection examine the representation of Jewish characters in films and franchises including Superman, Lord of the Rings, The Mandalorian, The Twilight Zone, and more to shed light on the broad range of representations of the Jewish experience in popular science fiction and fantasy.

The villain's journey is rare in popular culture--most characters are fully-formed tyrants with little to no story arc. This book examines the villain's decline and subsequent struggle toward redemption, asking why these characters are willing to cross moral lines that 'good' characters are not.

The original Star Wars trilogy follows Joseph Campbell's model for the hero's journey, making Luke Skywalker's story the new hero quest for a modern age. With the film saga complete, new story patterns have emerged as the hero's journey is imagined over and over. This book tracks the journeys of over 20 characters throughout the franchise.

Over the past half-century Doctor Who has defined science fiction television. The women in the series - from orphans and heroic mothers to seductresses and clever teachers - flourish in their roles yet rarely surmount them. Covering all of the series - classic and new - this book examines the women archetypes in Doctor Who.

BBC's Orphan Black shattered conventions with one actress - Tatiana Maslany - playing a host of main characters. At the same time, it burst through the expectations of a crowd that anticipated male heroes and female victims. This volume provides an analysis of the series.

The heroine's journey echoes through ancient legend, as each young woman combats her dark side and emerges stronger. Of course, this quest is also a staple of the most American of mythologies - comic books. From Jessica Jones and Catwoman to the new superwomen of cutting-edge webcomics, each heroine must descend into the darkest place of all, not to become a warrior-hero but a saviour.

Enter the world of myth behind Outlander, from the Fair Folk and the Loch Ness monster to the magic and lore of standing stones and the pagan Sun Feasts that control them. Reach into the original legends of culture hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the prophecy of the Brahan Seer that inspire parts of the saga.

Exploring the universal heroine's journey as she quests through world myth, this book includes numerous stories from cultures such as Scotland and Africa to reveal heroines who battle for safety and identity, thereby upsetting popular notions of the passive, gentle heroine.