As “Wonder Woman” continues to break records at the box office, a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program considers how women are depicted in superhero roles.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with MTSU English professor Elyce Helford first aired Sept. 12 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org. You can listen to their conversation above.

Dr. Elyce Helford

Helford is a co-editor of “The Woman Fantastic in Contemporary American Media Culture,” a compilation of essays analyzing female superheroes in the contexts of feminism, gender roles and body image.

In addition to “Wonder Woman,” the book examines Marvel Comics’ She-Hulk, Bella Swan of “Twilight,” and Katniss Everdeen of “The Hunger Games,” among others.

“They (women superheroes) do speak to our desires and our fears,” said Helford. “Particularly in spaces where we don’t see equal empowerment for women in the culture, for example, we get superheroes that do more and better.”

The mega-hit movie of summer 2017, “Wonder Woman,” has grossed more than $800 million worldwide. It passed “Iron Man 3” to become the fifth-highest grossing superhero movie of all time in North America, according to Box Office Mojo.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about “MTSU On the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.