Ink-Stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: Superwomen in Modern Mythology

In this comprehensive history, inquiry, critique, and reference guide, Stuller argues that Superwomen, from Wonder Woman to Charlies Angels, are more than just love interests or sidekicks who stand by their supermen. She shows how the female hero in modern mythology has broken through the traditional boy's club barrier to reveal the pivotal role of high-heeled crimefighters in popular culture. Chapter topics include love and compassion, spies and sexuality, daddys girls, and the complicated roles of superwomen who are also mothers. The book also includes a glossary of modern mythic women, as well as a foreword by acclaimed cultural commentator Roz Kaveney, author of Superheroes! Capes and Crusaders in Comics and Films.

Jennifer K. Stuller is a writer and journalist, specializing in gender and sexuality in popular culture. She has been researching and speaking internationally on superwomen for over a decade, and has contributed to such publications as Geek Monthly, Washington CEO and the Encyclopedia of Gender and Society. Stuller also teaches at the University of Washington, her alma mater, and maintains two blogs: Ink-Stained Traveler and Ink-Stained Amazon. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

* Foreword by Roz Kaveney * Introduction by Author * Section One Standing on the Shoulders of Amazons * The Birth of Modern Myth and the Mother of Female Superheroes * Modern Myth Meets Feminism * Women of Steel: The Buff and the Backlash * Super Grrrl Power at the Turn of the Century * Section Two Journey of the Female Hero * Love Will Bring You To Your Gift: On Compassion and Collaboration * Whos Your Daddy?: Law Enforcing Fathers and Crime * Fighting Daughters * Always the Mother, Never the Messiah * Spies Like Us: Fighting Crime Backwards and in High Heels * Section Three Mythmakers * A Hero of Her Own: Women Making Myth * Conclusion Where Do We Go From Here?: The Future of Superwomen * Appendix * Glossary: From (A)eon to (Z)oë * Internet Resources * Bibliography * Filmography * Index *