This compilation of essential information on 100 superheroes from comic book issues, various print and online references, and scholarly analyses provides readers all of the relevant material on superheroes in one place. Examines in detail how superheroes and superheroines have appeared in comics and other media over the decades Shows how superheroes and superheroines have reflected the hopes, fears, and values of American society at any given period Provides scholarly material that gives readers additional important historical context in five essays Ensures that diverse and obscure superheroes and superheroines are given equal coverage