Wartime Secrets: The Secret Origins of Comic Protagonists

Trine University’s Humanities Symposia concludes with a presentation by Patrick Ridout, assistant director of information services, titled “Wartime Secrets: The Secret Origins of Comic Protagonists.” From Captain America’s creation in World War II to Vagabond’s Battle of Sekigahara and the more recent War Heroes conflict in Afghanistan, each reflection of war comes with an origin story of super science, magic, aliens, gods and religion that become molded by each conflict in different ways. The presentation will look at how each war has impacted society’s views of heroes and villains, and how that has impacted the origins of comic heroes and villains born of conflict.

What is Trine Humanities Symposia?

The Humanities Symposia is a series of presentations and discussions that cover a wide range of topics related to the humanities. It was created as a university outlet for scholars and artists searching for a place to present their research outside of academic conferences. The Symposia allows them to share their research with Trine as well as the local community. For more information about the Symposia, contact Melissa Mayus, Ph.D., assistant professor in Trine’s Department of Humanities and Communication, at [e-mail].