Superheroes. The Origins of the Myth

Arriving in Italy for the first time , in the fascinating spaces of the Castle of Novara , the awaited exhibition Superheroes. The Origins of the Myth. This extraordinary exhibition, a collaboration between the Municipality of Novara, the Novara Castle Foundation and produced by Contemporary Projects together with M-Cube Foundation , reveals to the public the deep and indissoluble bond that unites the classical mythology to modern contemporary comic book superheroes. The curators Eugenio Martera, Fabrizio Modina e Federica Montani have structured a unique exhibition route, divided into twelve sections thematic and chronological aimed at demonstrating that modern paladins are not an invention of the 20th century, but the direct heirs of a thousand-year-old narrative tradition.

The audience is taken on a global journey through time and space, starting from the iconic comparison between Hercules e Superman - symbols of the continuity between ancient and modern heroism - and then explore the cultural and religious traditions of civilisations from Japan, Africa, India e Australia. In the halls of the’Sforza Wing , reproductions of archaeological finds constantly dialogue with comics in American and Italian editions, vintage posters, action figures, statues and dolls. The immersive exhibition also boasts the presence of experiential sets e video projections of strong impact , enriched by a detailed timeline on the publishing history from the 1930s to the present day. The exhibition does not overlook the didactic and educational value of the medium, highlighting how comics have often anticipated crucial social debates concerning the civil rights and human issues. Thanks to the synergy with the Circolo dei Lettori Foundation, the event will be accompanied by a rich summer calendar of meetings and cultural insights.