When considering the American Monomyth, one usually thinks about a tale like Superman or Spider-Man, a selfless hero on a journey to save mankind and to find his place as a Redeemer inside an endangered society. Before 2008, those typical journeys have consistently featured the same patterns: They deal with serious enemies and serious topics, like politics and ethics, they try to avoid the depiction of blood and violence, and they change the reality of sexuality to hyper- masculine superheroes and weak-and-helpless women. But finally, in 2008, time had come to break these standards of narration and to change the reputation as well as the representation of the typical superhero. That is when Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. have released Kick-Ass.
Table of Contents
1. Language, Blood, Sexuality – Turning the American Monomyth Upside Down
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how the comic book "Kick-Ass" deconstructs the traditional tropes of the American superhero narrative by incorporating transgressive elements of language, extreme violence, and unconventional sexuality. The primary research goal is to demonstrate how these deviations position the work as a "reversed" or "upside-down" version of the established monomyth.
- The subversion of heroic language through obscenity and sarcasm.
- The influence of Japanese manga and anime on violent visual aesthetics.
- The deconstruction of gender roles and sexual drive in the superhero archetype.
- A comparative analysis between "Kick-Ass" and classic narratives like "Superman" or "Spider-Man".
- The role of non-traditional protagonists in challenging the "American Monomyth".
Excerpt from the Book
The Depiction of Sexuality in Kick-Ass
The third focus of analysis in this paper lies on the depiction of sexuality in Kick-Ass. Different from tales of morality and real love like Spider-Man which contains the continuous love story between Peter Parker and Mary Jane, or Superman which reflects the endangered society on the helpless and coincidentally-always-threatened Louis Lane, Kick-Ass uses different gender roles and stereotypes.
First of all, the main character Dave Lizewski, who during the plot decides to become Kick-Ass, neither develops from a weak and helpless person into a hyper-masculine superhero character, nor does he have any strength in the beginning of the story, to form a plot in which he only learns to use his powers for a good reason. Furthermore, the third way to become a superhero with the help of technological highly developed equipment, is beyond debate for Dave Lizewski. Resulting, Kick-Ass features the first superhero without any power, except truncheons and hubris, who has a weak teenager body and additionally is sexual frustrated. Moreover, opposite to the standard superheroes, Dave Lizewski has a usual teenager sexual drive, sees his 44-year-old biology teacher Mrs. Zane as well as his class-mate Katie as an object of desire, regularly masturbates and strives for sexual satisfaction.
Summary of Chapters
1. Language, Blood, Sexuality – Turning the American Monomyth Upside Down: This chapter introduces the theoretical framework of the American Monomyth and outlines how "Kick-Ass" consciously subverts these conventions through its unique handling of linguistic, violent, and sexual themes.
Keywords
American Monomyth, Kick-Ass, Superhero Narrative, Mark Millar, Deconstruction, Graphic Violence, Manga Influence, Gender Roles, Comic Books, Subversion, Pop Culture, Adolescent Sexuality
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on how the comic book "Kick-Ass" breaks the traditional mold of the American superhero narrative by utilizing provocative language, stylized violence, and realistic sexual behavior.
Which central thematic areas are explored?
The research analyzes the use of obscene language, the integration of Japanese manga aesthetics, and the radical departure from traditional gender and sexual stereotypes found in standard superhero stories.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The primary goal is to provide evidence that "Kick-Ass" functions as a subversive, "upside-down" version of the classic American Monomyth.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The study employs a comparative narrative analysis, evaluating "Kick-Ass" against established genre archetypes like "Superman" and "Spider-Man" as well as cross-cultural influences from Japanese media.
What topics are discussed in the main analysis?
The analysis covers the breakdown of heroic language, the graphic depiction of violence influenced by "Kill Bill" and Japanese manga, and the characterization of the protagonist as a sexually frustrated, non-traditional hero.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include American Monomyth, Kick-Ass, Superhero Narrative, Deconstruction, Graphic Violence, and Subversion.
How does Dave Lizewski differ from traditional heroes like Superman?
Unlike traditional heroes who possess innate strength or clear moral virtues, Lizewski is a weak, sexually frustrated teenager without superpowers, driven by hubris and normal teenage urges rather than a desire to protect the innocent.
What influence does Japanese culture have on the violence in the comic?
The author argues that "Kick-Ass" adopts the intense, visual brutality characteristic of Japanese manga and anime—such as "Blood-C"—which sharply contrasts with the "hidden" or implied violence typical of traditional American superhero comics.
- Quote paper
- BA Ralph Cibis (Author), 2012, Language, Blood, Sexuality - Turning the American Monomyth Upside Down, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/214070
