REPRESENTATION OF THE ANCIENT MYTH ABOUT HYPERION IN MODERN GRAPHIC LITERATURE

Evelina Luchko

doi:10.23856/4409

Evelina Luchko Oles Honchar Dnipro National University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0979-9723

Keywords: comics, new myth, titan, Marcus Milton, Avengers, Marvel, mass reader

Abstract

The article aims to investigate the peculiarities of the new myth about Hyperion embodied in Marvel’s periodical graphic literature in comparison with the tradition of literary interpretations of the traditional Titanomachy myth. The article considers graphic literature to be a developing intermedial genre gaining popularity among readers, although underestimated by scholars. The interconnections between the comics and romantic and postmodern literature are studied. It is also highlighted that borrowings from European literature are a characteristic feature of American cultural tradition due to the lack of its own ancient basis. The article also traces the influence of modern comic tradition on reconsidering the ancient story about a rebellious titan. Functioning of superheroes as role models for the youth, the tendency for comic authors to depict conventional characters being close to modern realia and understandable for mass readers comes into the focus of the research. Thus, a new myth about Hyperion of the XXI century is created, in which the main character becomes a combination of such iconic images as Prometheus and Superman, reconsidered in the way making it possible for the image to serve the agenda and ideology.

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