“Stein’s book is a compelling read, perhaps most so for those relatively new to superhero comics and their criticism. For those less familiar with the material history, including letters columns, fanzines, parodies, etc., the book will no doubt shed new light on superhero stories. For those familiar with this history, Stein provides useful background, contextualization and theorization in a clear and readable context. It is a book well worth reading.”—Eric Berlatsky, International Journal of Comic Art
“[Authorizing Superhero Comics] is an ambitious, sprawling examination of the ‘serial agencies of superhero comics as material and aesthetic artifacts’ that deviates from anthropocentric and teleological historiographies. … Stein’s measured, multifaceted approach should inform future scholarship seeking to grapple with the logic of geek culture that has been largely dismissed as pathological and/or unsophisticated.” —Tiffany Hong, Studies in Comics
“As the field of comics studies grows, and the superhero genre seems to persistently dominate it, there’s greater pressure to find new approaches to this potentially overwhelming field. Stein’s Authorizing Superhero Comics moves us forward considerably by returning us with fresh eyes to look back over fundamental ground.” —Corey K. Creekmur, INKS