This panel invites papers on representations of social transformation in the Marvel Universe to be presented at South Central MLA’s 2017 annual convention held October 5-8th in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Presenters should feel free to propose papers on a wide-range of topics. We are especially interested, however, in papers that explore the representation of trauma and/or violence as a necessary part of socially transformative practices. Proposed papers could consider, for instance, the trauma of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D’s terrigenesis or how Luke Cage’s body—often riddled with bullets—offers a challenge to the “All Lives Matter” movement.

 Please send a 300-word abstract and one-page CV to Rebeccah.Bechtold@wichita.edu by January 30th, 2017.