In 2016, Star Trek-arguably the most popular science fiction franchise of all time-turned 50. During that time the original series and its various offshoots have created some of the genre's most iconic characters and reiterated a vision of an egalitarian future where humans no longer discriminate against race, gender or sexuality. This collection of new essays provides a timely study of how well Star Trek has lived up to its own ideals of inclusivity and equality, and how well prepared it is to boldly go with everyone into the next half century.

From his 1887 literary debut to his many film and television adaptations, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes has lost none of his appeal. Besides Holmes himself, no character in Conan Doyle's stories proves as interesting as the astute detective's constant companion, Dr. Watson, who somehow seems both superfluous and essential. While Conan Doyle does not depict Holmes and Watson as equals, he avoids presenting Watson as incompetent, as he was made to appear on screen for decades. A variety of reimagined Holmeses and Watsons in recent years have depicted their relationship as more nuanced and complementary. Focusing on the Guy Ritchie films, the BBC's Sherlock and CBS's Elementary, this collection of new essays explores the ideas and implications behind these adaptations.

In June 1938, Superman made his debut in Action Comics #1, which also featured his romantic interest and Clark Kent s journalistic rival Lois Lane. In the decades since, the intrepid reporter has become an iconic figure almost as recognizable as the Man of Steel himself. Lois has appeared in multiple adaptations, from her own comic book to various films and television shows, and millions of women have seen and continue to see her as a role model. Examining Lois Lane: The Scoop on Superman s Sweetheart is the first anthology to explore the many incarnations of this empowering American icon. Chapters analyze the character of Lois Lane in various media through the perspectives of feminism, gender studies, cultural studies, and more. In some discussions she is compared to mythological heroines, while others explain her importance in popular culture. This wide-ranging collection looks at previously neglected aspects of Lois and offers new insights into the evolution of her character. Seventy-five years after Lois Lane s first appearance, this book creates a fascinating picture of the obstacles and decisions faced by her character, whose challenges and accomplishments often reflected those of women over the course of the past century. Examining Lois Lane will be of interest to students and scholars as well as those who grew up reading and watching the many manifestations of Superman s girlfriend."

Resident Evil is a multidimensional as well as multimedia universe: various books, graphic novels, games and movies (the fifth one came out in 2012) all contribute to this enormous universe. The essays written for this volume will focus on this particular zombie manifestation and its significance in popular culture. The essayists come from very different fields, so it was possible to cover a wide range and to discuss numerous issues regarding this universe. Among them are game theory, the idea of silence as well as memory, the connection to iconic stories such as Alice in Wonderland , posthumanism and much more. A lot of ground is covered that will facilitate further discussions not only among Resident Evil interested persons, but also among other zombie universes and zombies in general. Most of these essays focus on the female figure Alice, a character revered by many as a feminist warrior.

One of CBS's most successful shows, The Big Bang Theory's mix of humor, nerdy protagonists, sexy female leads and quirky characters have brought the series international acclaim. Like Friends before it, The Big Bang Theory is touted as the show for the new millennium, bringing together aspects of classic humor applied to modern predicaments, usually sexual in nature. This collection of new essays explores sexual themes in The Big Bang Theory, interpreted through various critical lenses. Focusing on gender issues, the contributors explore how the series deals with sexuality and the ideals of masculinity, femininity and heterosexuality.