The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes Revealed in Our Gods Wear Spandex

Newburyport, MA (PRWEB) October 31, 2007

In Our Gods Wear Spandex, Knowles traces the histories of both American comic books and the superheroes who came to define them. It reveals the deep and abiding religious, occult and magical roots of legendary characters like Superman, Batman, Spiderman, and Wolverine. Ultimately, this work argues that these fantastic characters are not mere entertainment, but also serve as de facto deities for our modern technological society.

"This book will explain how superheroes have come to fill the role in our modern society that the gods and demi-gods provided to the ancients. It will catalog the movements and magicians who played a crucial part in the development of social phenomena like the Batman or X-Men films, or of TV shows like Heroes or Smallville."

~ from the Prologue to Our Gods Wear Spandex (Weiser Books, November 2007)

"You think superheroes are something new? Wait'll you read the exciting spin that Knowles and Linsner put on them!" - Stan Lee

Was Superman's arch nemesis Lex Luthor based on Aleister Crowley? Can Captain Marvel be linked to the Norse god Thor?

In Our Gods Wear Spandex, Christopher Knowles answers these questions as he traces the histories of both American comic books and the superheroes who came to define them. It reveals the deep and abiding religious, occult and magical roots of legendary characters like Superman, Batman, Spiderman, and Wolverine. Ultimately, this work argues that these fantastic characters are not mere entertainment, but also serve as de facto deities for our modern technological society.

Our Gods Wear Spandex also explores everything from the occult and esoteric origins of these characters to the controversy they have often inspired. The book also focuses on some of the medium's most important creators, and the strange and powerful attraction that Magic and the Occult has held over them all.

With the popularity of occult comics writers like Invisibles creator and Spider Man writer, Grant Morrison, and V for Vendetta creator Alan Moore, the vast comic audience is just waiting for someone to introduce them to the esoteric mysteries. No other book addresses the mystic roots of some of our most popular superheroes as Our Gods Wear Spandex. Chapters include: Ancient of Days, Ascended Masters, God and Gangsters, Mad Scientists and Modern Sorcerers, and more.

From the ghettos of Prague to the halls of Valhalla to the Fortress of solitude and the aisles of Book Expo and ComiCon, this is the first book to show the inextricable link between superheroes and the enchanted world of esoterica.

For additional title information, please visit: http://www.weiserbooks.com.

Christopher Knowles has worked in the comics industry for over 20 years, as both an artist and writer. Presently associate editor and contributing writer for the five-time Eisner Award-winning magazine Comic Book Artist and pop culture writer for Classic Rock Magazine. He worked with Robert Smigel on The X Presidents graphic novel based on the popular Saturday Night Live cartoon, and has created designs and artwork for many of the world's top superheroes and fantasy characters. He lives with his wife and three children in New Jersey.

Joseph Michael Linsner is creator of popular comic book goddess Dawn and his pained covers for all the major comic book companies. He resides in Atlanta. Visit him at http://www.linsner.com

Our Gods Wear Spandex by Christopher Knowles, Illustrated by Joseph Michael Linsner; Published by Weiser Books; Publication date: November, 2007; Price: $ 19.95; Paperback; ISBN: 978-1-57863-406-4; Category: Graphic Novels; Available wherever books are sold or through the publisher at (800) 423-7087, or online at http://www.weiserbooks.com.

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CASS Luxury Shapewear Introduces Contemporary Wear CASS Collection

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 28, 2008

CASS Luxury Shapewear? introduces a new collection, Wear CASS?, which brings a new era in the design of luxury shapewear. This contemporary line of shaping tops, bottoms, and dresses designed with the luxury brands patented "Invisupport" slimming system and plush fabric are available in fresh styles and colors that are easily layered and meant to be seen. Creating a new concept, Shapewear as outerwear, owner and designer Susan Ledyard mixes fashion with function for every woman and young girl. Just imagine?

When young Scarlett stepped onto the scene,

She knew she was dressed like a queen,

With her vivid colors and perfect silhouette,

The outfit even the paparazzi would never forget.

As the cameras flashed they yelled out

What are you wearing? What are you wearing?

And she replied her usual response that she was so used to sharing

"Why WEAR CASS of course it's the new thing you know,

The clothes let every girl have that special glow!"

Using CASS' patented stitching process "Invisupport" and technical yarns, designed with fashionable silhouettes and necklines, WEAR CASSTM, breaks the shapewear mold. "We did not compromise the quality of our well known shapewear, says designer Susan Ledyard, "we've designed new fresh styles based on what we know works and are offering them at a nicer price so that women of all ages can afford to look good." The collection covers a range of necklines that flatter all shapes and sizes while slimming and smoothing the backside without being noticed as a shaper. From the sexy "Oh Halter" (a deep v halter with a stylish silver ring in front) and trendy "Twisted" (a bandeau that twists across the chest) to the cool "Cross V" (a high back, deep V wrapped chest) and stylish "skinny" (a bra friendly version of a cami), Wear CASS tops offer the perfect balance between fashion and function. They can be worn out as a top, easily layered with a jacket or sheer, or worn invisibly under your favorite top.

Wear CASS TM plays up the dress trend with the appropriately named "Skinny Slip" (an all over slimming dress slip that creates the perfect hour glass shape) and 2 shaping bottoms, the "Hi Waisted" 10' Shaper Short? and Shaper Thigh, both offering a slimming tummy panel and perfectly shaping "butt lifter" with smoothing thigh support. No need to worry about added lines or bulges as all Wear CASSTM pieces are completely seamless! The Capri leggings by Wear CASSTM in great fashion colors slim the tummy, lift the rear, smooth the thighs and are designed to be worn out and layered!

Shaping tops, bottoms, and dresses are lightweight, breathable, and feel great on the body with retail pricing between $ 22-$ 72. Own the entire collection in a variety of colors ranging from violet, plum, black, white, and nude.

The new Wear CASS collection debuts in Macy's and will be sold in other department stores and specialty boutiques nationwide. Visit http://www.wearcass.com for information. Contact Kristin DeVincenzo for additional information at 302-652-6303.

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