Bachelor thesis | Film- en literatuurwetenschap (BA)
closed access
In this bachelor’s thesis, the aim is to analyze the way graphic novels add to the discussion on sexuality and its representation in society. Starting with a close-reading of Dr. Fredric Wertham’s...Show moreIn this bachelor’s thesis, the aim is to analyze the way graphic novels add to the discussion on sexuality and its representation in society. Starting with a close-reading of Dr. Fredric Wertham’s Seduction of the Innocent (1954), this thesis will argue that comics, having long been accused of promoting deviant sexuality, decided to adopt this accusation as a badge of honor, and had the outcast-status of its superheroes be a critique on the exclusionist normativity of society. Close-reading the ‘revisionist superhero narrative’ (Geoff Klock: How To Read Superheroes And Why (2002)) in Alan Moore’s Watchmen (1986-1987) and The Killing Joke (1988) will out the way these comics represent the (repression of) sexual desire of its characters, and how they find safety behind their alter egos. Continuing with Batman, next up is Grant Morrison’s work with the character, who decided to ‘reconquer’ Batman’s psyche and sexuality. Close-reading the psychosexual nature of Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth (1989), an argument will be made for the way superhero comics advocate complete expression, and do away with repression. Lastly, this thesis close-reads the recent influx of superhero blockbusters (mainly the MCU), and argues that they, unfortunately, try to steer back to the idea of normativity as the most beneficial form of personal expression, choosing in this way to differ from their comics influence. In conclusion, this thesis wishes to present comics as a medium with the power to positively represent non-normativity.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Film- en literatuurwetenschap (BA)
open access
2017-02-22T00:00:00Z
The narrative of superhero stories is key to understanding why superhero movies became so popular after 9/11. What qualifications do you need to become a superhero and what are key elements for...Show moreThe narrative of superhero stories is key to understanding why superhero movies became so popular after 9/11. What qualifications do you need to become a superhero and what are key elements for their stories. This model of the superhero narrative, eventhough it applies to all superheroes, leaves room for diversity amongst them. Batman and Spider-Man, both without a doubt famous superheroes, could be seen as opposites in terms of their completion of the superhero narrative. Especially the way in which they portray the multiple identities of the superhero and the alter ego. The moral dilemmas arising from the plural identity complex make superhero movies interesting in times of social and political turmoil.Show less
The 21st century film iteration of Batman was created by Christopher Nolan who reimagined the character and his story in The Dark Knight Trilogy by adopting a darker, grittier, more serious tone....Show moreThe 21st century film iteration of Batman was created by Christopher Nolan who reimagined the character and his story in The Dark Knight Trilogy by adopting a darker, grittier, more serious tone. This thesis will explore how the shift in tone moved the films away from fantasy into what might be termed a heightened reality, thereby allowing for the creation of a more complex, Batman-orientated narrative. Moreover, this thesis will demonstrate how these changes deepened the superhero genre and brought to the foreground the ambiguous, morally gray nature of the main protagonist, which resulted in the redefinition of how a superhero can be presented and understood, and lifted the ‘superhero film’ above being mere escapist entertainment.Show less
