New York Historical Society Goes Geek in Superhero Exhibit

The New York Historical Society donned its superhero mask, put on its tights and went into full swing to prove that comic books are not only a contemporary fictional driving force but also a medium so great and so profound with roots intimately connected in New York’s history. On display from Oct. 9- Feb. 21, the society’s “Super Heroes in Gotham” exhibit is proof that New York City is drenched in everything comic books.

Let’s face it. History is essential in any modern society, but so is Batman. Right from the second you step inside, the exhibit catches your eyes. After you pass the 1966 Batmobile casually parked in the lobby west of Central Park, you’ll come across genuine historical artifacts and documents ranging from the typewriter Jerry Siegel used to work on Superman in between train stops in the late 1930s to super rare art and drawings from the original creators of our beloved heroes and heroines.

“Going through the galleries, our visitors will be immersed in the world of comic books,” said President and CEO of the New York Historical Society Louise Mirrer. “From the early 1930s to today, they’ll learn about their favorite characters and also encounter some new artists who continue the creative tradition still.”

One of the goals of this exhibition is to showcase New York as the backdrop and inspiration for comics. For example, Peter Parker as Spider-Man is from Queens. The fictional cities in the DC realm are arguably based directly on New York City. Every section of the gallery strives to remind you that New York is as strong and as well-realized as the superheroes that live there.

“As you go through the exhibition, you might even recognize some of your own neighborhoods,” said Mirrer. “Those neighborhoods of the city have been imaginatively captured as Metropolis or Gotham.”

The gallery is ripe with original works and historic relics that cover both DC and Marvel, among others. For instance, originals of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Iron Man and Spider-Man, to name some, are all on display for visitors.

“[On display] are Steve Ditko’s original drawings of Spider-Man,” said Director of Library Operations Nina Nazionale. “These were published in Amazing Fantasy No. 15 (Spider Man’s first appearance). They were then anonymously donated to the Library of Congress where there was a six-month wait for an appointment. So this is the first time that anyone not visiting the Library of Congress is able to see these.

“There is also Wonder Woman on the first Ms. Magazine. She remains so popular and she’s so great. And I think that she was an impressive choice for the first cover of Ms. Magazine because she’s Wonder Woman. She’s strong. She’s beautiful. She’s smart. But it is a superhero comic so there’s a little playfulness which connects to the rest of the galleries as well.”

With a long and fruitful history and an ever expanding industry, comics remind readers that there are always lessons to be learned. Readers relate to situations in comics or use them as a form of escapism. What the New York Historical Society aims to prove is that New York helped in shaping that escapism.

“Comics began as a uniquely American mythology born in New York City,” said Mirrer. “They were originally inspired by the hardships and experiences of urban life. That is truly what makes the New York Historical Society the best venue to launch this exhibition.”