80,000+ Books in-stock in NZ 📚

A Cultural History of The Punisher

Marvel Comics and the Politics of Vengeance
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Punisher first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man in 1974, standing out for his violent approach to crime-fighting, including his readiness to kill. Over nearly fifty years, he has become a complex global icon, straddling the line between hero and anti-hero, and often featured in narratives with deep cultural significance. Kent Worcester's book delves into these contradictions, offering a detailed analysis of the Punisher's unique brand of justice and his role as one of the most politically engaged characters within the Marvel Universe.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$7599
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is well-suited for readers with some prior knowledge of the Punisher and superhero comics, appealing to both academic scholars and dedicated fans interested in cultural analysis and comic studies.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A comprehensive study of the Punisher in all his contradictions.

The Punisher made his debut in The Amazing Spider-Man in 1974, fighting crime with violence—and a willingness to kill—that set him apart from the typical comic book hero. Nearly fifty years later, he is a global icon, poised between hero and anti-hero, drawing praise and condemnation, and frequently featuring in stories that have wider cultural resonance.

In this book, Kent Worcester explores the Punisher in all his contradictions. Offering a close reading of the Punisher’s distinctive and extreme form of justice discourse, he shows how the Punisher inhabits the most politically engaged corner of the entire Marvel Universe.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

‘A Cultural History of the Punisher’ masterfully navigates both scholarly and popular interests, shedding light on the importance of comics in cultural history. It provides valuable insights into the interplay between social change and creative expression, offering rich perspectives for fans and academics alike. Scholars will find it an essential resource on the Punisher and the wider comic book genre. Worcester's study is a significant contribution not to be missed by those interested in Marvel's most controversial character or in comic book studies generally.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789388589

Publisher: Intellect

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 December 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Intellect Books

Edition: New edition

Illustration: 8 Halftones, color

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 170.0mm

Height: 244.0mm

Weight: 566g

Pages: 274

About the Author

Kent Worcester is Professor of Political Science at Marymount Manhattan College, New York, USA.

More from Arts & Culture

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.