{"title":"Tim Hanley","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Hanley\u003c\/strong\u003e offers insightful explorations into the fabric of creativity and identity, weaving narratives that resonate with passion and authenticity. His works, such as \u003cem\u003eNever a Sidekick\u003c\/em\u003e, delve into themes of self-expression and belonging within the vibrant worlds of arts and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect compelling stories that challenge conventional roles and celebrate the power of individuality. Hanley's writing invites reflection on the dynamic interplay between personal ambition and cultural influence, making his books a thought-provoking addition to any collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"never-a-sidekick-by-tim-hanley-9781538192429","title":"Never a Sidekick","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplores the history of Batgirl from her groundbreaking comics debut to her disappointing live-action appearances and beyond in an \u003cem\u003eappealing, comprehensive, and enjoyable tour of Batgirl's many iterations.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e(Booklist)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor over sixty years, every woman who took on the mantle of Batgirl has been a powerful, independent heroine, each belying the sidekick status the name implies and connecting with a unique subset of marginalised fans. Betty Kane, the original Bat-Girl, was a hero for young girls at a time when the genre was leaving them behind. Barbara Gordon embodied the values of the women’s liberation movement and became a powerful figure in disability representation. Cassandra Cain was a woman of colour in the traditionally monochromatic DC Comics universe. Stephanie Brown was a perpetual outsider, a voice for those who never belonged but kept trying regardless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBatgirl and Beyond: The Dynamic History of the Heroines of Gotham City\u003c\/em\u003e explores the evolving role of the Batgirls across the turbulent history of the superhero industry, as well as the importance of their fans, who pushed the genre forward to become more diverse and inclusive. Tim Hanley traces how each Batgirl dealt with a litany of mistreatment from a publisher who didn’t understand their distinct appeal and didn’t care to learn. From erasure to benchings to grievous injury and even death, the Batgirls have been subject to the genre’s worst excesses—and they have not fared much better on television or in movies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, Batgirl always comes back stronger and more resilient, and has remained a staple in the DC universe for decades. A must-read for fans new and old, \u003cem\u003eBatgirl and Beyond\u003c\/em\u003e is a tribute to an iconic character and a call to action for media to better embrace and represent female heroes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bloomsbury Publishing PTY Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47597323452652,"sku":"9781538192429","price":73.08,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781538192429-never-a-sidekick.jpg?v=1777949235"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/tim-hanley.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}