Superheroes and comic-book vigilantes versus real-life vigilantes: An anthropological answer to the Kick-Ass paradox

Authors: Weston, G.

Journal: Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics

Volume: 4

Issue: 2

Pages: 223-234

eISSN: 2150-4865

ISSN: 2150-4857

DOI: 10.1080/21504857.2012.682624

Abstract:

This article explores comic-book superheroes and vigilantes through an anthropological lens to tackle the paradox offered by Mark Millars Kick-Ass: why have comic books not inspired more real-life vigilantism? Applying social science literature on vigilantism, social banditry and death squads to fictional characters and contexts, this article explores the gaps between vigilante fact and vigilante fiction. It takes as its starting point Ray Abrahams observation that three factors lend themselves to the emergence of vigilantism: dissatisfaction with justice, awareness of other vigilantes and a pre-existing social or cultural template. Given the prevalence of comic-book superheroes and vigilantes as cultural template, this paper reappraises the limits of Abrahams model and reflects on the ambiguities of vigilante fact and fiction. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/37479/

Source: Scopus

Superheroes and comic-book vigilantes versus real-life vigilantes: an anthropological answer to the Kick-Ass paradox

Authors: Weston, G.

Journal: Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics

Volume: 4

Issue: 2

Pages: 223-234

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

ISSN: 2150-4857

DOI: 10.1080/21504857.2012.682624

Abstract:

This article explores comic-book superheroes and vigilantes through an anthropological lens to tackle the paradox offered by Mark Millar’s Kick-Ass: why have comic books not inspired more real-life vigilantism? Applying social science literature on vigilantism, social banditry and death squads to fictional characters and contexts, this article explores the gaps between vigilante fact and vigilante fiction. It takes as its starting point Ray Abrahams’ observation that three factors lend themselves to the emergence of vigilantism: dissatisfaction with justice, awareness of other vigilantes and a pre-existing social or cultural template. Given the prevalence of comic-book superheroes and vigilantes as cultural template, this paper reappraises the limits of Abrahams’ model and reflects on the ambiguities of vigilante fact and fiction.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/37479/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/21504857.2012.682624?needAccess=true

Source: Manual

Superheroes and comic-book vigilantes versus real-life vigilantes: an anthropological answer to the Kick-Ass paradox

Authors: Weston, G.

Journal: Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics

Volume: 4

Issue: 2

Pages: 223-234

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

ISSN: 2150-4857

Abstract:

This article explores comic-book superheroes and vigilantes through an anthropological lens to tackle the paradox offered by Mark Millar’s Kick-Ass: why have comic books not inspired more real-life vigilantism? Applying social science literature on vigilantism, social banditry and death squads to fictional characters and contexts, this article explores the gaps between vigilante fact and vigilante fiction. It takes as its starting point Ray Abrahams’ observation that three factors lend themselves to the emergence of vigilantism: dissatisfaction with justice, awareness of other vigilantes and a pre-existing social or cultural template. Given the prevalence of comic-book superheroes and vigilantes as cultural template, this paper reappraises the limits of Abrahams’ model and reflects on the ambiguities of vigilante fact and fiction.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/37479/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/21504857.2012.682624?needAccess=true

Source: BURO EPrints