For this assignment I chose to read my roommate's copy of Marvel Comics Ultimate Fantastic Four Volume 1. Before picking up this comic book I must say that I had no prior knowledge about the Fantastic Four (despite the movie hype) or really any knowledge about the possible topics for ideology in comic books due to the fact that I haven't read one since I was six. I was indeed surprised to find an example of gender ideology within the first few pages. Richard Reed (Mister Fantastico before he obtained his powers) and his relationship with his father.
The scene begins with Richard Reed and Ben Grimm, Reeds only friend who happens to act like a body guard for him against middle school bully's, walking into Reed's house. Reeds mother greets him with worry when she sees that he has been beat up. His Hulk of a father enters into the scene furious to see his wimpy son has been beat up again. Reed's father is disappointed in him for not sticking up for himself, he thanks Ben for sticking up for his son in away that is belittling to his son. His father begins to rave about Ben and how all of the other dads are amazed by his football talents, while Reed is standing below them.
As seen below the scene features Ben and Reed's father who have similar build as well as Reed who is smaller. The illustrator has added the perspective that gives the appearance to the drawing that both of Reed's parents as well as his sister, who appears to be younger than him, proportionately larger than Reed. This shows that Reed does not live up to the expectations his father had for him to be, athletic, built and tough like he is. Reed therefore considered himself a disappointment even though he is a very intelligent kid. This particular scene in this comic book relates to what we were talking about in class about symbolic annihilation, in that Reed's father views him as submissive, invisible and victimized because he does not fall into the ideology he holds for men. This image also depicts disappointment since Reed's back is turned and he is looking down while everyone else's faces are seen and they are looking down at Reed.
Good call on observing the implicit feminization of Reed. Your observation of that moment is a really prime illustration of the politics of masculinity, but an even richer ideological narrative could have happened had you connected up with the larger societal issues at play. There is a powerful argument in our culture that the kinds of hierarchies we see in this scene are natural and necessary. I know you don’t agree with that ideological presumption, but it always helps to be specific and direct in calling out our cultural need for hierarchy. By the way, what’s your ideological take on Annihilated Girl, I mean Invisible Girl?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above comment how you really did a good job talking about Mr Reeds more feminine qualities shown in the magazine. I think it would be very interesting to read and watch the movies to see how it plays out as he becomes leader of the Fantastic Four. For example, he continues being a nerd, and not really "powerful" since his only power is to stretch. Also, the Fantastic Four has 3 guys (Reed is married, the flame guy is single and gets a lot of ladies, and Ben does not get ladies at all), so they are all very different types of personalities. How is expectations of "males" portrayed in each one of them? Ben use to be popular, but now transformed into a rock, how does this change peoples perception of him? I would be more interested in Ben and his transformation than Reed!
ReplyDelete- kenty truong