"A jam-packed collection of scholarly works on the beloved nerd icon that may be ideal for Whedon superfans."—Clique Clack
"A critical anthology edited by some of the architects of Whedon Studies, offers an exciting, engaging snapshot of the work produced by scholars in this growing area of study."—Theatre Library Association
"The text is invaluable for Whedon scholars. However, Reading Joss Whedon is not simply valuable for Whedon 'acafans' It stands as an exemplar for popular culture studies, showing intertextualities and interconnectedness by which scholars from different disciplines can interrogate pop culture artifacts, no matter the medium and no matter the topic."—The Popular Culture Studies Journal
Description
In an age when geek chic has come to define mainstream pop culture, few writers and producers inspire more admiration and response than Joss Whedon. From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Much Ado About Nothing, from Dr. Horrible’s Sing–Along Blog to The Avengers, the works of Whedon have been the focus of increasing academic attention. This collection of articles represents some of the best work covering a wide array of topics that clarify Whedon’s importance, including considerations of narrative and visual techniques, myth construction, symbolism, gender, heroism, and the business side of television. The editors argue that Whedon’s work is of both social and aesthetic significance; that he creates “canonical television.” He is a master of his artistic medium and has managed this success on broadcast networks rather than on cable.
From the focus on a single episode to the exploration of an entire season, from the discussion of a particular narrative technique to a recounting of the history of Whedon studies, this collection will both entertain and educate those exploring Whedon scholarship for the first time and those planning to teach a course on his works.
About the Author
Rhonda V. Wilcox is professor of English at Gordon State College in Georgia.
Tanya R. Cochran is associate professor of English at Union College in Nebraska.
Cynthea Masson is professor of English at Vancouver Island University.
David Lavery is professor of English at Middle Tennessee State University.
May 2014