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Superheroes' untold stories to be on display in New York

Xinhua, October 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

The New-York Historical Society is holding an exhibition exploring the untold stories of superheroes such as Superman and Batman, which have helped bring American ideals to countless readers around the globe.

On view from Oct. 9, 2015 through Feb. 21, 2016, "Superheroes in Gotham" will focus on American culture's most legendary superheroes -- Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Spider-Man and Iron Man.

The media preview was held on Wednesday. Upon entering the New-York Historical Society's Central Park West entrance, visitors are greeted by an original working Batmobile, one of three cars created for the 1966-68 Batman television series.

The first gallery traces each character's origins within the context of their creators and period events; the second explores how superheroes flew from page to screen decades before they became blockbuster movie franchises; and the third and last one examines the enduring influence of superheroes on a wide range of New York-based artists, cartoonists and fans.

Beyond the characters and the more recent characters inspired by them, the exhibition also considers the importance of New York as a creative force behind a uniquely American mythology.

"New York, the heart of the United States' book and newspaper industries, was the logical place to produce superhero comic books," the New-York Historical Society said.

"Publishers, taking advantage of the printers, distributors, artists and writers, and cheap newsprint of the city's long-established pulp and movie magazine industry, together created a new and affordable form of American mythology," it said.

According to the curators, superheroes are cultural ambassadors, as educators use them to teach reading, science, history, and even the English language. Superhero stories also paint a portrait of the United States and its culture.

To celebrate the exhibition's opening on Oct. 9, the New-York Historical Society will host a special superhero edition of The Big Quiz Thing trivia game show and a series of special family activities on the following weekends. Endi