The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes Revealed

[ENGLISH] October 31, 2007 — In Our Gods Wear Spandex, Knowles traces the histories of both American comic books and the superheroes who came to define them. It reveals the deep and abiding religious, occult and magical roots of legendary characters like Superman, Batman, Spiderman, and Wolverine. Ultimately, this work argues that these fantastic characters are not mere entertainment, but also serve as de facto deities for our modern technological society.

« This book will explain how superheroes have come to fill the role in our modern society that the gods and demi-gods provided to the ancients. It will catalog the movements and magicians who played a crucial part in the development of social phenomena like the Batman or X-Men films, or of TV shows like Heroes or Smallville. »

from the Prologue to Our Gods Wear Spandex (Weiser Books, November 2007)

« You think superheroes are something new? Wait’ll you read the exciting spin that Knowles and Linsner put on them! » – Stan Lee

 This book will explain how superheroes have come to fill the role in our modern society that the gods and demi-gods provided to the ancients. It will catalog the movements and magicians who played a crucial part in the development of social phenomena like the Batman or X-Men films, or of TV shows like Heroes or Smallville.  
Was Superman’s arch nemesis Lex Luthor based on Aleister Crowley? Can Captain Marvel be linked to the Norse god Thor?

In Our Gods Wear Spandex, Christopher Knowles answers these questions as he traces the histories of both American comic books and the superheroes who came to define them. It reveals the deep and abiding religious, occult and magical roots of legendary characters like Superman, Batman, Spiderman, and Wolverine. Ultimately, this work argues that these fantastic characters are not mere entertainment, but also serve as de facto deities for our modern technological society.

Our Gods Wear Spandex also explores everything from the occult and esoteric origins of these characters to the controversy they have often inspired. The book also focuses on some of the medium’s most important creators, and the strange and powerful attraction that Magic and the Occult has held over them all.

With the popularity of occult comics writers like Invisibles creator and Spider Man writer, Grant Morrison, and V for Vendetta creator Alan Moore, the vast comic audience is just waiting for someone to introduce them to the esoteric mysteries. No other book addresses the mystic roots of some of our most popular superheroes as Our Gods Wear Spandex. Chapters include: Ancient of Days, Ascended Masters, God and Gangsters, Mad Scientists and Modern Sorcerers, and more.

From the ghettos of Prague to the halls of Valhalla to the Fortress of solitude and the aisles of Book Expo and ComiCon, this is the first book to show the inextricable link between superheroes and the enchanted world of esoterica.

For additional title information, please visit: www.weiserbooks.com.

Christopher Knowles has worked in the comics industry for over 20 years, as both an artist and writer. Presently associate editor and contributing writer for the five-time Eisner Award-winning magazine Comic Book Artist and pop culture writer for Classic Rock Magazine. He worked with Robert Smigel on The X Presidents graphic novel based on the popular Saturday Night Live cartoon, and has created designs and artwork for many of the world’s top superheroes and fantasy characters. He lives with his wife and three children in New Jersey.

Joseph Michael Linsner is creator of popular comic book goddess Dawn and his pained covers for all the major comic book companies. He resides in Atlanta. Visit him at www.linsner.com

Our Gods Wear Spandex by Christopher Knowles, Illustrated by Joseph Michael Linsner; Published by Weiser Books; Publication date: November, 2007; Price: $19.95; Paperback; ISBN: 978-1-57863-406-4; Category: Graphic Novels; Available wherever books are sold or through the publisher at (800) 423-7087, or online at www.weiserbooks.com.