Representation of marginalized groups in comic books

A big part of this last segment of class has been concerned with the differences between graphic novels and comics and comics and other modalities (Video Games and Movies and TV and such)… and, not coincidentally, a lot of that has dovetailed in with a greater representation of folks who were largely marginalized for much of the American Comic’s life span. Women, People of Color, the differently abled — all of these groups of people have  been showcased considerably more with topics that are significantly more mature since the arrival of different manners of appreciating comics.

For example:

Whether it’s in terms of more comics characters being drawn as reasonable constructions of women (See Batgirl or Ms. Marvel or Allison Bechel’s construction of herself), or more movies depicting women who simply kick-@ss (See Scarlett Johannson’s Black Widow and or Evangeline Lily’s Wasp, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, or Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft or Fox [From Wanted]), or the unique genre shift towards introspective women as we might find in graphic novels/ GN autobiographies like Chicken with Plums, 100 Demons, Skim, or Through the Woods etc. — the lady’s day seem to be rising in the medium of comics.  In fact, back in the MCU, Phase Four forward hopes to have representation of more than half of their heroes to be ladies.

So, for this paper — All I want you to do here is address one (or compare two for contrast if necessary) constructions, depictions, or adaptations of women/ POC/ the otherwise underrepresented or misrepresented in comics and evaluate these characters in terms of how successful they are. Now, what determines success? That’s up to you. Let’s put it this way: Wonder Woman, as we have read and as numerous academics have reported ad nauseum ad infinitum, was constructed by a man almost solely with the intents to amuse other men (in ways that other academics can discuss…). What about these more recent contemporary constructs — how are they doing a better job of addressing women as three dimensional constructs who deserve respect, better and realistic construction, and are not in the backseat or periphery of any comic? Or… are they? Has March changed your thoughts and thinking about what politicians can do or have done? Do you watch Black Panther and say to yourself: Where have these stories been all my life?  Do you look at Professor X or The Chief from Doom Patrol and wonder if this is the best we can do for representation of the differently ables in the comics medium? Here, it’s your call, and I am excited to see what you find!

Please incorporate some images from the comic books and movies that are being analyzed.