Women in Comics Post Golden Age

An Application of Muted Group Theory

Dr. Anita K. McDaniel

University of North Carolina Wilmington

mcdaniela@uncw.edu

Muted Group Theory in Comics

Women in comics don't have defined roles let alone “lead.” At best, they “help” and “look

pretty.”

Why? Because the superhero genre

communicates in the language of men.

Muted Group Theory(Kramarae, 2005, p. 55)

Muted groups must change their language when communicating in the public domain, thus cannot fully

share their true thougths. Their speech is disrespected by those in dominant groups; their knowledge is not

considered sufficient for the public decision-making or policy making processes of that culture; their

experiences are interpreted for them by others;

And they are encouraged to see themselves as represented in the dominant culture.

How muted groups find their voice(Griffin, Ledbetter & Sparks, 2015, p. 465)

Assimilation—blending in with the dominant group

Accommodation—persuading the dominant group to incorporate the experiences of the muted group

Separation—minimizing contact with the dominant group

Women in Comics

Thesis• Often it has been stated that female superhero titles do

not sell. It is not surprising when superheroines (created by men) become two dimensional stereotypes, plot devices for the stories of male superheroes, and industry jokes.

• However, female editors, writers, and artists help superheroines reclaim their dignity and “super” status when they use accommodating communication strategies.

She-Hulk and Jan Duursema

Good comic art is creating a visual representation of

who that character is and not just generating a

composite of masculine or feminine features.

Unfortunately, the industry standard for

good comic book art has become drawing men to look strong and brave

and drawing women with large breasts.

Despite her superpowered

similarities to the Hulk, She-Hulk

became an industry joke as a hero due to her trademark tear-away clothing and

compliance with her exploitation.

Marvel Swimsuit Issue She-HulkSteven Geiger/Paul Mounts version

Commodified femininity

When media agents signify femininity by visually

emphasizing the line and curve of the female body along with

a code of poses, gestures, body cants and gazes. So little of She-Hulk’s identity exists in the drawing beyond the green

hair and skin, she could be anybody and, thus, becomes

recognized as no one.

Marvel Swimsuit Issue She-HulkJan Duursema/Tom Smith version

Accommodation

Duursema is known for creating strong women–physically

strong and strong in character. Readers are reminded

constantly that these women do something besides look

pretty. Notice how almost half of the space on the page is devoted to the character’s legs. This visual technique creates a balance between

She-Hulk’s feminine qualities and her superhero qualities.

Women in Comics

Conclusion

I feel that the post Golden Age superhero genre has benefitted from the contributions of women in comic

book production.

Hopefully, the feminine voice in the comic industry has helped readers of the superhero genre appreciate the

value of the female superhero.

Further Readings

• _____. Grand Comic Book Database [Online July 2006]. <http://comics.org/index.lasso>.

• _____. Who’s Who in American Comic Books [Online July 2006]. <http://bailsprojects.com/S(zrcnn255vtenj45jdzf45))/WhosWho.aspx>.

• Duursema, J., Duursema, J. & Smith, T. (1995). “She-Hulk.” MARVEL SWIMSUIT SPECIAL 1, 4.

• Lee, S., Kraft, D. A., Buscema, J. & Vosburg, M. (2006). Savage She-Hulk #1-25. New York: Marvel Publishing, Inc.

• Kramare, C. (2005). Muted group theory and communication: Asking dangerous questions. Women and Language, 28(2), 55-61.