Reading Joss Whedon - Rhonda V. Wilcox

In an age when geek chic has come to define mainstream pop culture, few writers and producers inspire more admiration and response than Joss Whedon. FromBuffy the Vampire SlayertoMuch Ado about Nothing, fromDr. Horrible’s Sing–Along BlogtoThe Avengers, the works of Whedon have been the focus of increasing academic attention. This collection of articles represents some of the best work covering a wide array of topics that clarify Whedon’s importance, including considerations of narrative and visual techniques, myth construction, symbolism, gender, heroism, and the business side of television. The editors argue that Whedon’s work is of both social and aesthetic significance; that he creates ""canonical television."" He is a master of his artistic medium and has managed this success on broadcast networks rather than on cable.

From the focus on a single episode to the exploration of an entire season, from the discussion of a particular narrative technique to a recounting of the history of Whedon studies, this collection will both entertain and educate those exploring Whedon scholarship for the first time and those planning to teach a course on his works.