Reflecting Culture: The Evolution of American Comic Book Superheroes

I was reading the NY TImes online, and I came across something that seems really f'ing cool. At the Montclair Art Museum (in Montclair, NJ), there's an excellent exhibit going on called "Reflecting Culture: The Evolution of American Comic Book Superheroes." What it does is "traces the way in which comic books have reflected an ever-evolving American culture through more than 150 original drawings, rare comic books and graphic novels from the Golden Age of comics (1938-1946) to the present." It has tons of good art to look at, primarily consisting of the personal collection of Michael Uslan, also known as the Executive Producer of Batman and Batman Begins. In addition to his contributions, there are also work from other private collections from around the country, all brought together by the MAM Chief Curator Gail Stavitsky (with a little help from Curator of Native American Art Twig Johnson and Michael Uslan). The museum uses the artwork to look at the modern comic book, from its origins in 1934 to its enormous present-day success and influence on pop culture. Oh there's more. A second exhibit showcasing the talents of three of the comics industry's artist titans in Joe, Adam and Andy Kubert. Another exhibit focuses on Greg Hilderbrandy, who I remember doing the Marvel trading cards back in the '90s. Dulce Pinzon uses the focus of the exhibit (reflecting on superheroes) to showcase the Mexican immigrant worker. The Blanche and Laurie Foundation are sponsoring the highlighted show (Reflection), but there is also additional support from a few other sources (Additional support is provided by the David and Susan Bershad Foundation, the Vance Wall Foundation, the Karma Foundation, Annie sez and Mandee Stores, Exhibition Angels Bobbi Brown & Steven Plofker, Rose & John Cali, Paula Tuffin & Reg Hollinger, Carol & Harlan Waksal, Margo & Frank Walter and Joan & Donald Zief, and by funds from the Judith Targan Endowment Fund for Museum Publications). The exhibits all run until January 13, 2008, so you have plenty of time to check them out. You can check out their website (see the link below), or call the museum at 973-746-5555 for more information. But definitely check it out if you're interested. NY Times review of Montclair Art Museum exhibit Montclair Art Museum

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