SH3010 Powers--Assignment 2

[Erika]

What do powers represent in stories? What trends do you see in terms the powers of heroes vs villains, or men vs women, etc. Do powers reinforce stereotypes? Consider how powers represent wish fulfillment, or are used to reward or punish characters for their behavior.

This is a short answer assignment.

[rypperd0c]

Often powers represent the more defining personality traits of the character, hero or villain. Illumina is an example of the restrictive thinking in the Sidekick Girl universe. She has a power, and she has a look/body type that fits the approved image of a hero, so she is granted hero status in spite of a lack of ability. Her power matches Illumina's over all personality.

Her abilities are to glow and to float. She is meant to be seen, but not really do anything. Her personality is shown as being obsessed with appearances, and indifferent towards other people's feelings, and even towards her job. However, during the brief time of a mind swap, Sidekick Girl was able to use Illumina's power more effectively, demonstrating that there could be more substance to the hero's ability if she only applied herself more.

When meeting Illumina' parents, we see that she has little motivation to be more than what she currently is. She is not interested in developing her powers because she can never be good enough to satisfy her parents. Her shallow commitment becomes the reason for her weak hero performance.

In a more general sense, powers are usually an extension of the hero's personality. It can be argued that the Strongman hero is stubborn, ready to get into a slugging match and hold his ground to the end because he knows that is what his powers are best for, or it could be that his powers are a manifestation of his desire to stand up for what he feels is right no mater what. If you look at known strongman type supers, you see either the restless defenders that would stand up to a bully even if their powers were stripped away, or the thug type that is willing to plow through whomever and whatever is in his way.

This analysis of powers and personality quickly dissolves into a nature Vs nurture debate, with about as much chance of ever having a real answer.

Grade: Purple

[Twitch]

Powers can be as shallow or meaningful as the author wants. The powers can be planned because the plot demands a certain skill set; the author could be trying to get a metaphor across to the audience; or the she/he simply felt it would be a fun brain exercise and then the project grew.

A few trends I'm noticed in powers of heroes vs. villains is that villains almost never get 'medic' powers. Both heroes and villains have destructive and defensive powers, but I've yet to see a major villain who heals others. Men also rarely get 'cleric/medic' powers. Guess the stereotype of the nurturing lady is hard to shake even after women's lib.

Do powers reinforce stereotypes? Yes, they can. However, it depends on the author and his/her purpose in creating the character. It boils down to creative and philosophy. A writer/artist/perform 'leaks' their beliefs all over the place. It's human nature.

Grade: kumquat

[Kashiro]

I honestly don't see many trends in powers (Unless you mean the most common superpower*...). It may just be what I read, but I have seen invincible flying superheroes, both male and female, technological geniuses, both male and female, villains, heroes, etc. etc. However, one trend in published comics is a large amount of fanservice from their female characters, which has less to do with their superpowers and more to do with their writers and fanbase. I digress, stereotypes aren't reinforced by powers (There aren't many powers that lend themselves to traits) on the whole, however there are obviously exceptions. What do enforce stereotypes, however, are plotlines, ambitions and other things controlled by the writer. Yes, what I’m saying is that it is probable that any bias or stereotype found in a comic can be attributed to its writers. Powers do, however, represent wish fulfilment, as it gives them a venue of escape, where they have powers and concerns far more important than the mere troubles of a normal life. It's escapism, and although it has its faults (see: stereotypes/bias as mentioned above) they do give the audience a respite from the machinations of reality. The use of powers as a reward or punishment for characters depends on the method by which they gain the powers, and what it costs them to use it.




*Boobs. The most common superpower is a large bust and to somehow support it with realistically inadequate, well, support and gain no resultant back pain from their unrealistic size.

[Twitch]

Sept 1, 2014 6:59:57 GMT -5 Kashiro said:

*Boobs. The most common superpower is a large bust and to somehow support it with realistically inadequate, well, support and gain no resultant back pain from their unrealistic size.

Also hyper mobility in the spine. Some of those poses are impossible for anyone with actual vertebrate bones.