Random Developments

The University of Melbourne is promoting a super-heroes conference next month. No actual super-heroes are expected to attend, though; they will be merely talking about heroes:

Superheroes and supervillains — whether human or god, born or created, product of nature or creature of science — they have existed as cultural icons for centuries. Why have they endured? How have they transformed over the decades? What is their cultural or mythic function? Where does the hero end and the superhero begin?

This interdisciplinary conference will address the varying roles, identities, and social functions that these enduring beings serve. A diversity of approaches will be undertaken including: historical approaches; censorship codes; industry and franchise differentiation (e.g. DC vs. Marvel Comics); [...]

The conference, called Holy Men in Tights, will be held between 9th-12th June and does include a fancy dress ball, where attendants are invited to dress as their favourite heroes or villains.