Comics at the Movies : From Flash Gordon to Avengers: Endgame

Author: James Chapman

Comic strip fiction / graphic novels (Children's / Teenage)

Published on 27 July 2026 by REAKTION BOOKS in the United Kingdom.

Hardback | 440 pages, 50 illustrations
234 x 156 | 0g

Comics at the Movies explores the rich and often overlooked history of comic-book film adaptations, from 1930s serials like Flash Gordon to today’s Marvel and DC blockbusters. It traces how the comic and film industries have intersected over the decades, analysing how adaptations reflect their economic, political and cultural contexts. The book examines neglected works such as Doc Savage, Popeye and Sheena, alongside iconic franchises like Superman, Batman and X-Men. It also investigates how these films represent nationhood, race, gender and class, revealing the social politics beneath their spectacle. Accessible and engaging, Comics at the Movies is essential reading for students, scholars and fans alike interested in adaptation, popular genres and the lasting impact of comic-book cinema.