Arrow and Superhero Television

<p> This collection of new essays focuses on The CW network's hit television series <I>Arrow</I>--based on DC Comic's <I>Green Arrow</I>--and its spin-offs <I>The Flash DC's Legends of Tomorrow</I> and <I>Supergirl</I>. Comic book adaptations have been big business for film studios since <I>Superman</I> (1978) and in recent years have dominated at the box office--five of the 11 highest grossing films of 2016 were adapted from comics. Superheroes have battled across the small screen for considerably longer beginning with <I>The Adventures of Superman</I> (1952-1958) though with mixed results. The contributors explore the reasons behind <I>Arrow</I>'s success its representation of bodies its portrayal of women its shifting political ideologies and audience reception and influence on storylines.</p>