The Representation of Heroes in Animation Question 1: What is Good? - To what extent does Social Responsibility impact on the role and function of Animation?
Introduction I have chosen this question because I take interest in various character designs to further improve my own style. This will specifically focus on heroes as I will like to explore the variety of heroes designed in animated series and films. Whether these heroes are appropriate representations, relatable and/or unique and how this affects society. Especially ones I see as good inspirations and create a new and unique representation to what a hero should be, that have gained popularity and deserve more recognition. There are also the various complaints to the representation of gender that concern the design or personality traits of heroes due to movements tired of stereotypical portrayals. I could also consider villains as well since they relate to heroes and have various stereotypes to represent them as a criminal and/or evil which can even be demonising. I will research and consider what makes stereotypes popular and who are the sort of people that enjoy or make these stereotypes, the reasons behind this and not just the negative cases against it. I would like to see what these opinions may be and how they correspond to the opinions of others who may agree or disagree as in many cases these opinions are subjective (as is my own opinions). Whether there are some that contradict others and if one opinion better explains an issue then the other. This will hopefully create a fair analysis taking what positive and negative effects representations of heroes have on society and culture creating a fair conclusion.
DC Comics (2001), Justice League [cartoon] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
Marvel Animation (2010), The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes [Cartoon] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
Questions to ask: -
What makes a bad representation of a hero? What makes a good representation of a hero? How are male and female heroes represented? What are the stereotypes? What are the roles of male and female heroes? What are the personality traits of heroes? Are they socially acceptable? DC Comics (1948), The Riddler [character] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
Considered Quotes and Articles from Websites: Lucy V Hay, (2013) The Top Female Character Stereotypes & 1 Tip To Avoid Them, London Screen Writers Festival [Online]. Available at: www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com [Accessed: 24 April 2017]
James Browning, (2013) Stereotype of the Heroic Male, Male Copendence [Online]. Available at: www.malecodependence.com [Accessed: 24 April 2017]
“Strong Female characters. Everyone wants one it seems. Until you write one of these:
“When upset, women are more likely to express their feelings directly, and to seek the support of friends and family, whereas men might hide their emotions or withdraw. Men often feel that they need to be self-reliant. They are sometimes focused on providing for their loved ones and hide their own emotions. This behaviour is reinforced everyday in the stereotype of the heroic male, so often represented in popular culture. Fearless, resourceful, stoic and usually facing adversity alone these characters tell us a lot about what is considered to be ideal male behaviour within our society.”
1. A Kickass hottie 2. A [Negative Adjective*] female 3. A depressed and/or absent mother 4. A “tart with a heart” 5. A facilitator of the lead male’s emotions”
Marvel Animation (2014), Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher [anime] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
Andrea Kuszewski, (2011) Walking the Line Between Good and Evil: The Common Thread of Heroes and Villains, Scientific America [Online]. Available at: www.scientificamerican.com [Accessed: 24 April 2017] “Contrary to popular belief, right and wrong, moral and immoral, ethical and unethical—are not always on opposite ends of the spectrum of good and evil. In addition, the people who fight for the cause on either side may not always look or act like the one you would expect. Science may finally give some support to the old saying: There is a fine line between good and evil.”
Madhouse (2015), One Punch Man, Saitama [character] [Accessed 30 April 2017]
DC Comics (1938), Superman [character] [Accessed 30 April 2017
Considered book titles to use: [Accessed: 21 April 2017] - Design heroes: Buckminster Fuller, by Michael Pawlyn (1990) - Design heroes: Harley Earl, by Stephen Bayley (1990) - 1000 game, by David Choquet (2003) - Creating superheroes & comic book characters, by Jim Hansen (2005) - Superheroes: fashion and fantasy, by Andrew Bolton (2008) - Stan Lee's: how to draw, by Stan Lee (2013)
Toei Animation (1992), Sailor Moon, Usagi Tsukino [character] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
Range of various female heroes I will consider using (or something similar):
Marvel Comics (2015), The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl [character] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
DC Comics (1976), Power Girl [character] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
Studio Bones (2016), My Hero Academia anime, Yaoyorozu [character] [Accessed:30 April 2017]
Production I.G.
(1995)
(2004)
Ghost in the Shell, Motoko Kusanagi [character] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
(2015)
DC Comics (2015), DC Super Hero High [cartoon] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
Cartoon animated series like Super Hero High, The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Justice League and My Hero Academia will be good reference for me to view the representation of heroes in animation. As shown, Super Hero High already demonstrates a specific appearance and body type for female characters.
Studio Bones (2016), My Hero Academia [anime] [Accessed: 30 April 2017]
Midnight
Tsuyu
All Might
Mineta
My Hero Academia shows stereotypes like Midnight and All Might as well. However, it also shows various different representations of hero characters as well shown by the odd and funny looking appearance of characters like Tsuyu and Mineta.