For the last 40 years Maria Brown has brought her love of history and Pop Culture to the EC campus. This is evident in her exhibit “Shadows of American Popular Culture” where she showcases Batman and Superman and their impact on American Pop culture.
“I started doing the exhibit eight years ago and it has grown ever since then,” Brown, history professor, said.
For the first exhibit at EC, Brown and her students brought belongings from their childhood like “Scooby-Doo” and “Lord of the Rings” and showcased them.
Now in its eighth year she presents the world of superheroes and their impact on American society.
“The comic book heroes and I suppose the villains have all those qualities we as individuals wish we had,” Brown said. “There is a little superheroness in all of us.”
Brown with the help of longtime friend Kim Reynolds, Senior production artist at Warner Brothers Consumer products, put the exhibit together every semester. The pieces in the exhibit all come from her collection from visiting various comic book conventions, comic book shops and toy stores.
“I didn’t know they had an exhibit here,” Fernando Ledezma, 18, biology major, said. “I have been influenced by Batman in my childhood.”
Her love of comic books and passion for teaching has kept her in high regards among her students. Some students see her exhibits as eye-opening when they learn the history of superheroes.
“People needed (superheroes) back then.” Ledezma said “They were a (sense) of security for many people.”
The exhibit also showcases the evolution of the superhero and its influence on what Brown calls American mythology. The exhibit is also done to commemorate the creation or birthday of Superman and Batman, which she celebrates every year.
“People need heroes, that’s why the characters are so popular.” Brown said. “Heroes give them a since of hope (and) accomplishment.
With her retirement on the way, Brown looks forward to new adventures. She plans to keep busy by revisiting old passions that teaching interfered with.
Brown also said she would like to fulfill a childhood dream of visiting Disney World in Florida. She would also like to visit Universal Studios Theme Park to visit the Harry Potter exhibit.
“Ms. Brown isn’t like your typical teacher.” Taylar Hicks, 21, business major said. “She makes learning about history fun and exciting.”
Some of her fondest memories are from going on field trips to the movies, visiting the Long Beach Comic Con and seeing the reaction of the faces of students experiencing the Comic Con for the first time.
Brown will continue with the superhero celebration with her annual Comic Book day that will be held on Oct. 28 where she will celebrate the 78th anniversary of Superman.
“When I can interact with the students and we can laugh, talk and learn something at the same time those experiences are probably the best for me.”
