AveryNatale-AnalysisEmbodimentamong-2013-2

Analysis of Embodiment among Superheroes

Introduction

• Author: Edward Avery-Natale, Temple University

• Focus: Examines physical presentation of DC comic superheroes over 70 years.

• Key finding: Superheroes' bodies have become more sexualized and exaggerated.

• Objective: Identify how physicality represents gender identities and power dynamics in superhero comics.

Historical Context

• Superhero Origins:

  • Superman's creation (1938) as a male-centric representation of masculine ideals.

  • Birth of a male-dominated comic book industry impacting character depictions.

Gendered Representations

• Hyper-Masculinity vs Hyper-Sexualization:

  • Male superheroes depicted with exaggerated muscles.

  • Female superheroes often hyper-sexualized, featuring unrealistic body types (e.g., large breasts).

  • Wonder Woman's early representation contrasted with later fetishization.

• Industry Structure:

  • Male creators often create gendered narratives without female input.

  • Leads to stereotypical representations of gendered bodies and fantasies.

Methodology

• Character Selection:

  • Characters analyzed: Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Mary Marvel, Black Canary.

  • Chosen for their sustained presence since early comic books.

• Image Analysis:

  • Analyzed 257 images (140 male, 117 female) from comics spanning from 1940s to 2008.

  • Focused on full-body images, costume changes, muscularity, and any bondage imagery.

Key Findings

• Evolution of Physical Bodies:

  • Significant shift from realistic depictions in Golden Age (1940s) to hyperbolic forms.

    • 75% of male characters had exaggerated muscles by 2000.

    • 43% of female characters had enlarged breasts in 2000 as compared to none in the Golden Age.

  • Superheroines' costumes increasingly sexualized over decades; depicted as both powerful yet objectified.

• Objectification and Performance:

  • Female heroes maintain a balance between power and traditional femininity.

  • Narrative tension between strength and subservience persists in character portrayals.
    

  • Female heroes in superhero comics navigate a complex landscape where they must embody strength and capability while simultaneously conforming to conventional notions of femininity. This dual representation often results in a delicate balance; these characters are depicted as powerful and capable, often engaging in heroic feats and challenges. However, they also frequently exhibit traits and attributes traditionally associated with feminine ideals, such as nurturing, beauty, and grace.
    
    The narrative tension inherent in these portrayals highlights the struggle between asserting independence and adhering to socially constructed gender norms. Female superheroes often find themselves in scenarios where their power is portrayed alongside subservient roles or vulnerabilities, creating a dichotomy between their strength as warriors and their conformity to traditional gender expectations. This tension not only reflects societal views on gender roles but also shapes how readers perceive and interpret female heroics in the comic book medium. As a result, the representation of these characters becomes a critical commentary on the evolving perceptions of gender, power dynamics, and the complexities surrounding femininity in a male-dominated superhero universe.

Theoretical Framework

• Application of Film Theories:

  • Influences from Laura Mulvey's concept of the male gaze applied to comic book readers; almost entirely male readership.

  • The spectacle aspect of characters affects narrative progression in comics.
    
    
    Application of Film Theories:
    - Laura Mulvey's concept of the male gaze is instrumental in understanding the dynamics of comic book readership, where the audience has historically been predominantly male. This framework allows for the analysis of how visual representation in comics caters to male viewers, often objectifying female characters and prioritizing male perspectives.
    - The male gaze manifests in the posture, appearance, and narratives of female superheroes, who are often depicted in ways that emphasize their sexual appeal to male readers. For instance, the portrayal of female characters in suggestive poses and revealing costumes serves not only to attract attention but also to reinforce traditional gender stereotypes, where women are often seen as decorative or secondary to the male protagonists.
    
    Effects on Narrative Progression:
    - The spectacle aspect of characters, including their physical appearances and costume designs, significantly influences the narrative progression in comics. This emphasis on visual allure tends to prioritize action sequences and exciting visuals at the expense of deeper character development, particularly for female superheroes.
    - Consequently, narratives often become superficial, where plotlines are driven more by spectacle and appeal than by substantive storytelling. This phenomenon contributes to the perpetuation of stereotypes, as stories focusing on hyper-feminized or hyper-masculinized characters limit the complexity and depth of character arcs.
    - By adhering to the conventions of the male gaze, comic book narratives can reinforce existing power structures and gender norms, shaping not only the consumption of these comics but also influencing societal perceptions of gender roles and identity.

Conclusion/Implications

• Need for Change:

  • Calls for a shift in comic book industry practices towards more inclusive representations that reflect realistic bodies and diverse identities.

  • Acknowledgment of the impact of media on body image issues, particularly for men and women.

• Future Research Directions:

  • Exploration of how shifts in creators' demographics might change representations in comics; further analysis of independent comics that may already diverge from mainstream stereotypes.