Frontmatter and Editorial

Abstract

In lieu of an abstract, here is the first paragraph of the editorial:

Superhero films are, despite their commercial appeal across the board, often seen as a boys’ club. Yet, as the submissions to this issue show, the club is a complex and complicated one filled with ideals so unattainable that not even the titular heroes can fulfil them. This issue of gender forum therefore engages not only with superheroes, but primarily with the crises of masculinity negotiated in the superhero films of the past twelve years, starting with Batman Begins.