Event Title
Gender Bias vs. Feminism in Comic Books
Faculty Sponsor
Beth Blankenship
Submission Type
Poster
Description
Comic books have been geared towards males for so long that male sexuality and fantasy dominates the world of heroes and capes. Although I believe that the presence of feminist writers and artists has eliminated much of that gender bias and created a place for female fantasy and sexuality, there is still a severe patriarchal presence that prevents feminist characters in the comics themselves from escaping the role of the shrinking violet and prevents feminist writers and artists from excelling in their field. I will first examine the characters which are often considered feminist such as X-Men heroines like Storm and Rogue, She-Hulk, Batgirl and Lois Lane and their appearances in comics from the 1970s to the present. I also plan on examining the ways in which feminist writers and artists like the current author of Batgirl, Gail Simone, are limited or censored to better suit the needs of the male-centered fan base. I will draw on the works of Brian K. Vaughn, Gail Simone, Mike Madrid, Laura Mulvey and countless comic book artists. My research suggests that although many agree the feminism has found a place in the world of comics, the patriarchal tradition of comics leaves many female voices excluded or under developed. In exploring the gender bias in comic books, I will expose the many facets of comics and hopefully bring the feminist perspective into the limelight.
Gender Bias vs. Feminism in Comic Books
Comic books have been geared towards males for so long that male sexuality and fantasy dominates the world of heroes and capes. Although I believe that the presence of feminist writers and artists has eliminated much of that gender bias and created a place for female fantasy and sexuality, there is still a severe patriarchal presence that prevents feminist characters in the comics themselves from escaping the role of the shrinking violet and prevents feminist writers and artists from excelling in their field. I will first examine the characters which are often considered feminist such as X-Men heroines like Storm and Rogue, She-Hulk, Batgirl and Lois Lane and their appearances in comics from the 1970s to the present. I also plan on examining the ways in which feminist writers and artists like the current author of Batgirl, Gail Simone, are limited or censored to better suit the needs of the male-centered fan base. I will draw on the works of Brian K. Vaughn, Gail Simone, Mike Madrid, Laura Mulvey and countless comic book artists. My research suggests that although many agree the feminism has found a place in the world of comics, the patriarchal tradition of comics leaves many female voices excluded or under developed. In exploring the gender bias in comic books, I will expose the many facets of comics and hopefully bring the feminist perspective into the limelight.
Comments
2nd place, Poster, College of Liberal Arts