A small PP presentation I put together for an Undergraduate course I took some time ago. Although much has changed in the industry over time, the same issues are still relevant in many discussions on the female form in graphic novels.
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1. S The Representation of Feminism in the Comic Book
Industry
2. Introduction: Evolutionary Female- Her Body & Her Role
The Female Body S The changing form of the body over the course of
the years. S The clothing depicted alters from conservative to
seductive. S Feminine features become more exaggerated and
pronounced. S Imagery has been the subject of much controversy. The
Female in Society S Portrayal of women has altered over the years.
S Support of the main character/the male hero. S Leadership
qualities alter over the centuries. S Acceptance in the
community.
3. Archie Comics 1930s & 40s Non-Superhero Genre Focus on 3
Archetypes of the female role: 1. Career Girls 2. Romance Heroines
3. Perky Teenagers Veronica & Betty are prime examples of this
particular type of character. Golden Age of Comics
4. World War II-Changing Demographics Feminine power now begins
to be recognized Female workforce in factories Male absence in
Industry, female steps in this role and establishes that they can
do it. No more stay at home mom mentality How does this change
Comics?
5. Not only am I sexy, I have a career Women more empowering
More emphasis on prominent roles in work force/important roles The
dominant nature toward women as a role model. Example: Lois Lane
(well known reporter and backdrop to Superman), Carol Ferris
(business women and entrepreneur, inherited business from her
father). This would last until the the structure of female society
changes in the 1960s The Silver Age of Comics
6. Wonder Woman Brainchild of William Moulton Marston New
female identity Sexy symbolism, patriotic undertones in her outfit
Sense of Nationalism in a symbolic, feministic approach More skin
showing on the female figure Ushers in a new mentality on the
female role, not only in comic books, but also in society
7. Female Solidarity- Women Have Rights too!--1960s & 1970s
Ms. Marvel/Cryptonym=Ms. Overcoming female diversity=Barbara
Gordon/Batgirl Crippled by the Joker, becomes heroine Oracle Womens
Equal Rights Movement in the 1960s- 1970s Thats Ms., not Mrs.! The
Bronze Age of Comics
8. Sex Sells- 80s and Beyond! Women as sex objects Changes in
costumes More exaggerated features The clear identification of
showing more skin More heroines, but clearly used with sexual
connotations.
9. Focus On-Power Girl Does this image represent empowerment or
is it First appearance in 1976 demeaning?
10. Welcome to The Modern Age The New Modern Woman. No longer
traditional imagery or mannerisms. 21st Century exhibits changing
roles in females 1. Single parenting 2. Same sex relationship 3.
Positions of power in the workplace Teenagers become popular
again.
11. Focus-Wonder Woman: From Sensation to Sensational!
12. Power to the Female S Later female characters receive their
own titles. Power Girl in 2009 Batgirl in 2000 Supergirl in 2005
Ms. Marvel in 2006
13. The Changing Society- Lesbianism Batwoman Mainly in
underground comics and alternative titles before entering
mainstream Became more common Renee Montoya/Police officer-Batman
Comics
14. All Beauty & No Beast
15. Sources Used -All pictures trademarked and courtesy of DC
Comics, Marvel Comics Industry, and Archie Comics Publications. All
rights reserved. -Text used is either sited by the individual
quoting it, or taken from www.wikipedia.com for general usage of
research.