Whether Spider-Man, Ant-Man or Black Widow - a large number of superheroes and villains in the comic cosmos were inspired by insects. The names and appearance of the comic characters refer to their flying, stinging and crawling 'godfathers' as well as their superpowers. For example, Spider-Man can shoot spider webs from his wrists, crawl up walls and ceilings and possesses truly superhuman strength and sensory acuity. Since his first appearance in 1962 in the magazine "Amazing Fantasy No. 15", "the Spider" has been one of the most popular superheroes of all time alongside Batman and Superman. There is no doubt that the huge success of this comic hero paved the way for further creations of insectoid or insect-inspired superheroes and villains.
Around 80 exhibits, mainly from the Schmitz-Lippert Foundation in Cologne, will be on display, including rarely shown American comic books from the 1960s to 1970s, action figures and statues as well as original drawings. Through the lens of "Spider-Man, Ant-Man, Black Widow, Killer Moth & Co.", "Amazing Superbugs" offers visitors of all ages an exciting and multifaceted look at the fascinating world of comics.
The exhibition is accompanied by an attractive supporting program with superhero family tours, curator tours and a scientific symposium. The project was developed in cooperation with the University of Siegen's Collaborative Research Center 1472 "Transformations of the Popular".
