Heroes Vs. Villains: Detroit's Comic Book Story

OPENING ON MAY 3, 2025 in Wrigley Hall

From the earliest days of fandom to the rise of iconic superheroes and gritty anti-heroes, Detroit has been a quiet but powerful force in shaping comic book history. Heroes vs. Villains: Detroit’s Comic Book Story will share the histories of the iconic characters and local creatives who helped define the modern world of comics.

Discover the city’s outsized impact on comics in immersive displays, rare artifacts, and behind-the-scenes stories that trace the popular genre’s long history. Whether appearing in daily newspapers, early pamphlets, stand-alone comic books, or web-based platforms, comics have reflected and shaped society for nearly a century. Learn how these unique artworks function not only as entertainment but as cultural touchstones, offering hope during wartime, tackling social issues, and amplifying voices from marginalized communities.

Heroes vs. Villains also shines a spotlight on the many Detroit-affiliated writers, artists, publishers, and fans whose work brought characters to life, helped stories find wide audiences, and pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling. Learn how Detroit creatives like Rich Buckler, Keith Pollard, Jim Starlin, Arvell Jones, and Matt Feazell changed the game, one panel at a time.