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Superheroes and Economics

The Shadowy World of Capes, Masks and Invisible Hands
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
Superheroes and Economics explores the fascinating intersection between superhero mythology and economic theory. This unique book brings together economists and business experts to analyse how economic principles underpin famous comic storylines. Through ten accessible chapters, it covers topics from Spider-Man's financial struggles to the economic impact of Tony Stark's inventions and the evolving role of women reflected in Wonder Woman's 80-year journey. The book offers a novel approach to understanding economic concepts through popular culture.
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Format: Hardback
$34100
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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 ideal for fans of comics interested in a deeper understanding of their favourite characters through economics, as well as students and educators seeking engaging ways to introduce economic theory. It offers accessible content suitable for those new to economics and appealing examples for anyone interested in the social sciences.

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Movies showcasing Batman, Superman and Spiderman have brought in billions of dollars at the global box office and the popularity of superheroes shows no signs of wavering. But underneath the capes and masks of our favourite characters runs a fascinating world of economic decisions, strategies and incentives.

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

At first sight, superheroes and economics seem to occupy completely different dimensions – but a clash of dimensions is a classic comic book storyline! In this first-of-its-kind book, an economist and a business writer assemble an A-team of academic talent to explore the intersection of superhero mythology and economic theory in ten accessible chapters.

Superheroes and Economics uncovers basic economic truths that are integral to the comic stories from some of the genre's most famous names. The authors of the chapters look at ways that economic principles can add authenticity to imagined universes, and how familiar superhero stories can demonstrate concepts used by economists to forecast the behaviour of markets and individuals. If Spider-Man is so smart, why isn’t he rich? What are the economic implications of a tech entrepreneur like Tony Stark actually inventing Iron Man armour? What does the 80-year career of Wonder Woman tell us about the evolving role of women in the workplace?

This unique book extends the scope of comics studies to encompass social sciences. It offers a great way to introduce both fans and students to topics like opportunity cost, growth, inflation, and cost-benefit analysis, as well as more advanced concepts like moral hazard, utility functions, and economic growth. This text can be used to supplement economics courses with colourful examples that any pop culture fan can relate to.

Series: Routledge Economics and Popular Culture Series

View all
  • Superheroes and Economics
    At first sight, superheroes and economics seem to occupy completely different dimensions – but a clash of dimensions is a classic comic book storyline! In this first-of-its-kind book, an economist and a business writer assemble an A-team of academic talent to explore the intersection of superhero mythology and economic theory in ten accessible chapters. Superheroes and Economics uncovers basic economic...
    Paperback
    $9399
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Superheroes and Economics
    At first sight, superheroes and economics seem to occupy completely different dimensions – but a clash of dimensions is a classic comic book storyline! In this first-of-its-kind book, an economist and a business writer assemble an A-team of academic talent to explore the intersection of superhero mythology and economic theory in ten accessible chapters. Superheroes and Economics uncovers basic economic...
    Hardback
    $34100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780815367079

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 11 July 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Routledge

Illustration: 2 Tables, black and white; 13 Line drawings, black and white; 13 Illustrations, black and white

Contributors:

  • Edited by Brian O'Roark
  • Edited by Rob Salkowitz

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 144

About the Author

Brian O’Roark is a University Professor of Economics at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, USA. He is on the board of directors for the Journal of Economics Teaching and serves in the role of associate editor. In 2014, Brian was given the Undergraduate Teaching Innovation Award by the Middle Atlantic Association of Colleges of Business Administration and in 2016 he received the President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching at RMU.

Rob Salkowitz is an author, consultant and educator focused on the impact of new technology on work, business and popular culture. He is author of four books as well a contributor to FORBES and his work has appeared in Fast Company, Publishers Weekly, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg Business Week and ICv2, the trade publication of the comics and gaming industry. He teaches in the Communication Leadership Graduate Program at the University of Washington, USA and is founding partner in MediaPlant.

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