An Examination of the Stereotypical Portrayal of Super Heroines by the Comic Book Industry

Category: Books, Comic Book
Last Updated: 25 Feb 2023
Pages: 3 Views: 129

Regarding comic book industry- featuring main characters that are predominantly male. And attain abilities such as super strength, telekinesis, and other masculine powers. In contrast, females are portrayed in a completely opposite manner-promiscuous, power-hungry, and weak in comparison to their male correspondent. Although super-heroines have evolved from mere damsels in distress, they aren't depicted at the level of sophistication that their male counterparts are. Comics illustrate female characters appearance. And stereotypical role in society as downfalls rather than strengths and humility.

A feminist role in comics is simply to do what their male counterpart would do, but in high heels and a body suit. The comic industry rarely depicts the females as brawns or brains, but as aesthetically appealing to society. While Wonder Woman dons a magical tiara and indestructible bracelets. And Cat woman is equipped with bull whips and sharp nails. Their male counterparts exhibit actual superhuman physical capabilities like super strength or the ability to fly. Most heroines have long hair, a thin waist, and Kim Kardashian sized breasts and butt busting out of their tight latex costumes. Virtually every female is taught to meet unattainable physical and beauty standards. The women appear to be more of a temptation rather than a force of nature. The simplest stereotype of super heroines is often portrayed in demeaning factors of appearance: stiletto heals, absurd cleavage, flawless complexions, and perfect hair. Ultimately, they are often portrayed to look more like impeccable Victoria's Secret angels, than women who are trying to save the world. In contrast, Super heroines are defined by their appearance and superficial attributes while superheroes are judged by their given physical powers.

Though superwomen are often depicted as the epitomes of perfection and feminism, their visual portrayal also defines them as mere objects rather than heroes. As shown in many comics, female superheroes draw on their sex appeal to coax their enemy into trusting them. Consequently, the focus on their sex appeal takes away from their athletic and mental feats. While the females devote endless time and energy to their training, the males seem to inherit their abilities from sources such as genetic engineering, aliens, or birth rights. Similarly, despite their over the top sex appeal, heroines fail to ever have love affairs that develop into marriage or relationships, while the superheroes appear to always live happily ever after with the damsel they saved from distress. The female superheroes depict of a woman's role in society: to make everything look as easy as possible and provide care to those around her without breaking a sweat or causing a hair to fall out of place. They sacrifice their relationships and personal affairs to care for others, while the males win the hearts of their love interest and are able to pursue a happily ever after.

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As superheroes use their given powers to ward off evil and save their society from the corrupt jaws of evil, super heroines draw on sex appeal and the help of others to accomplish minor tasks in the eyes of the public. Heroines are expected to make more significant personal sacrifices in order to maintain their status while heroes are able to bend their rules. Following the stereotypical role of women in society, heroines rely on their undeniable sex appeal and help from others in order to succeed, while superheroes breeze effortlessly through villainous turbulence.

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An Examination of the Stereotypical Portrayal of Super Heroines by the Comic Book Industry. (2023, Feb 25). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/an-examination-of-the-stereotypical-portrayal-of-super-heroines-by-the-comic-book-industry/

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