Valerie Estelle Frankel

Over the past half-century Doctor Who has defined science fiction television. The women in the series--from orphans and heroic mothers to seductresses and clever teachers--flourish in their roles yet rarely surmount them. Some companions rescue the Doctor and charm viewers with their technical brilliance, while others only scream for rescue. The villainesses dazzle with their cruelty, from the Rani to Cassandra and Missy. Covering all of the series--classic and new--along with Class, K9, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, novels, comics and Big Finish Audio adventures, this book examines the women archetypes in Doctor Who.

The heroine's journey echoes throughout ancient legend. Each young woman combats her dark side and emerges stronger. This quest is also a staple of American comic books. Wonder Woman with semi-divine powers gives us a new female-centered creation story. Batgirl, Batwoman and Black Widow discover their enemy is the dark mother or shadow twin, with the savagery they've rejected in themselves. Supergirl similarly struggles but keeps harmony with her sister. From Jessica Jones and Catwoman to the new superwomen of cutting-edge webcomics, each heroine must go into the dark, to become not a warrior but a savior. Women like Captain Marvel and Storm sacrifice all to join the ranks of superheroes, while their feminine powers and dazzling costumes reflect the most ancient tales.

Everyone in the galaxy wants the Plot Device...especially the looming orange supervillain Big Vicious Dude, Lord of All the Galactic Places He Feels Like and his Vice Lord Whinin the Finger Pointer. Clearly, the galaxy needs a hero Too bad all they've got is man-child Quitter Pill, Grapesoda the space babe, Bunny Foofoo, Dweeb the world's biggest raspberry gumball, and a treelike creature who keeps saying "I am Grout." Together they're the Mockeries of the Galaxy, and they'll save everyone, no matter the cost...as long as it's not their collectables.

Adoring fans have explored much about Harry Potter, especially his classic hero's journey. However, many don't notice how the other characters suffer through the same struggle at every stage of life - one Dumbledore and Neville Longbottom pass but Draco Malfoy and Voldemort do not. Exploding into the Wizarding World in 2016, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child offered an unusual double hero's journey for Albus Severus and Scorpius and a twisted antiheroine's journey for Delphi. This book demystifies all these, unveiling the nostalgic symbolism behind the play's auguries, baby blankets, and time-turners. 2016 also introduced Ilvermorney, the American Hogwarts, and its valiant, loving founder Isolt Sayre. Uncovering her folklore and symbolism reveals a secret war between the Celtic old world and the bold pioneer spirit of the new. Meanwhile, Rowling's original characters overturn Greek, Roman, Norse, and Celtic myths, even as Harry unites King Arthur's hallows and claims the sword as destined king. Revisioning folklore from England to Africa is one of Rowling's talents, especially in Beedle the Bard. Rowling also nods to history, from Voldemort's World War II childhood and Nazi prejudice to the dazzling glitter of the 1920s, setting for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. For serious fans, an entire world of mythology waits below the surface of the ever-expanding Potterverse.