Themes include the role of superheroes in the fight against crime; how villains are portrayed; the representation of superheroes in children’s literature and TV; and what happens when superheroes act as both judge and jury – should they be policed too? The exhibition also explores how in the ongoing fight for justice, superheroes can provide a positive message of diversity, showing that whatever your background, everyone can be a hero.
Alongside much-loved characters from DC and Marvel including Superman, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Wonder Woman and Professor X, the exhibition introduces visitors to The Pride, a team of LGBTQ superheroes created by Joe Glass; Muslim superhero Miss Marvel; and Jubilee, who has a learning disability. The exhibition also looks at how the resurgence of superheroes in popular culture makes comics an ideal platform to address the lack of diversity in role models for children – in her first novel Alesha Dixon created mixed-race superhero Aurora Beam; Ade Adepitan’s new book introduces his childhood alter-ego Cyborg Cat; and Dan White developed The Department of Ability, a comic inspired by his daughter, in which disabled superheroes save the world.
A selection of artwork by acclaimed artists Alex Ross and Nigel Humphries and Marvel artwork signed by legendary comic book writer Stan Lee - all on loan from Castle Fine Art - will be shown alongside comics and Superhero memorabilia lent by the public and museum staff. The exhibition also features a mural of new superheroes designed by competition winners aged between 5 and 11 and created by street-artist Nathan Bainbridge.
To coincide with the exhibition there is a Superhero film season including screenings of Tim Burton’s iconic 1989 Batman (5 August); 1980s classic Flash Gordon (2 September) and Vampire superhero Blade, complete with Blade-y Mary cocktails (7 October).
There is a range of Superhero themed family activities running throughout the exhibition including family friendly trials, badge and mask making, drawing workshop, face painting and the creation of a giant Lego Superhero. Over the August Bank Holiday weekend visitors are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite superhero and all visitors are invited to contribute to a comment board celebrating their family or community hero. Join us and be part of #superherosummer
Entry to the exhibition is FREE. For opening times and further information call 0115 9520555 or www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.... Museum galleries also open - ticket prices apply, see website for details.
National Justice Museum
High Pavement, Nottingham
NG1 1HN
For further press information please contact Sarah Ragsdale, National Justice Museum communication@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk 07817 194 750/0115 993 9810
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook @justicemuseum #superherosummer
