December+19-+Discusion+on+superheros+and+The+Escapist-+Reed


 * What did we do in class? **
 * Today in class we started off with 15 min of membean while Mr. Neal talked to us about our mini essays. Then we spent a majority of the class talking about the comic book, The Escapist, while also talking about the common characteristics between the Golem of Prague and superheros. During the time that we talked about the Escapist, we dove into the significance of the cover and why Joe and Sammy wanted to keep the cover as is (Hitler getting punched by the Escapist) **


 * Significance of the cover: **
 * ** The cover portrayed both Sammy and Joe's hatred towards Nazi's and Hitler **
 * ** Cover was frowned upon by Sammy's Boss (Anapol), because it could cause a controversy (Can't have picture of the Escapist punching Hitler without US declaring war on Germany first) (pg. 153-157) **


 * Common Traits between the Golem and Superheros (pg. 145, 149): **
 * ** o protectors  **
 * ** o created out of “dirt”  **
 * ** o have special powers/traits  **
 * ** o flaws  **
 * ** o mysterious background  **
 * ** o fictional origins stories cloaked in myth  **
 * ** o hulking bulk/strength  **


 * Summary of the Escapist in steps (Chapter 8 Part 2): **


 * 1) ** During the main act Misterioso (aka Max Mayflower/first escapist) is shot and fatally wounded. **
 * 2) ** Max is quickly taken offstage by his stage crew **
 * 3) ** Tom, Max's uncle is given the Golden Key and is given the responsibility of the Escapist **
 * 4) ** Tom and stage crew ( Big Al, Miss Plum Blossom, and Omar) vow to fight the evil forces of the Iron Chain (the bad guys) **

** Personal Connection: **

The Escapist is a lot like Batman both loose their "loved ones" to a gun and vow to stop the gangsters/mobsters that took their only family.