This collection of new essays focuses on The CW network's hit television series --based on DC Comic's --and its spin-offs and . Comic book adaptations have been big business for film studios since (1978) and in recent years have dominated at the box office--five of the 11 highest grossing films of 2016 were adapted from comics. Superheroes have battled across the small screen for considerably longer, beginning with (1952-1958), though with mixed results. The contributors explore the reasons behind 's success, its representation of bodies, its portrayal of women, its shifting political ideologies, and audience reception and influence on storylines.