In preparation for The Avengers, Andrew and Frank are examining a few of the major superheroes who will be involved. First up: Iron Man. What does this film series have to say about the nature of power? How is Tony Stark representative of America? Should anybody own Iron Man technology?

SHOW NOTES:

0:22 - Intro

4:09 - The irony of America and the idea of an "ultimate weapon"

7:30 - Are there such things as the "right hands"?

11:20 - Comparisons with Thor, the power of the individual vs. institutions

18:54 - At what point do these heroes become too powerful?

20:54 - Can a blockbuster like The Avengers make a radical statement about violence?

23:29 - Closing thoughts

27:30 - Show close

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