Three female superheroes? The feminists are taking over! : perceptions of feminism and rhetorical failure in The Marvels

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Alyssa Cavalieri (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Adams Adams

Abstract: This thesis examines the complicated response to Marvel projects (comics, film, etc.) claiming to center women and feminism through an exploration of three heroines from The Marvels (2023), which is regarded as a box office failure. It considers how women are developed as characters within complex storylines typically centered around men, the aesthetics of comics as tied to the objectification and sexualization of their bodies, and the resilience of both heroines and audiences who challenge norms in comic spaces. Despite the complications surrounding The Marvels and the histories of the heroines it centers, persistent engagement from women as fans of the superhero genre evidences instances of women’s empowerment within Marvel stories and reflects an insistence for women to be acknowledged as both heroes and as a valued audience.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2024
Keywords
Comics, Fandom, Feminism, Representation, Rhetorical failure, Superheroes
Subjects
Women superheroes in comics
Feminism in comics

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