Authorizing Superhero Comics: On the Evolution of a Popular Serial Genre.

The article reviews Daniel Stein's book *Authorizing Superhero Comics: On the Evolution of a Popular Serial Genre*, which examines the development of superhero comics through a collective authorship lens. Stein challenges the traditional creator-centered narrative by applying Bruno Latour's actor-network theory to show how superheroes like Superman and Batman evolved through interactions among writers, fans, editors, advertisers, and publishing networks. The book highlights the role of paratexts such as fan letters and adaptations in shaping the genre from the 1940s to the 1970s, emphasizing the collaborative and contested nature of superhero authorship. Stein also addresses the complexities of intellectual property and the marginalization of original creators, suggesting that recognizing collective authorship could lead to a more inclusive understanding of comic book origins while raising important legal and ethical questions.