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

Weston, G., 2012. Superheroes and comic-book vigilantes versus real-life vigilantes: an anthropological answer to the Kick-Ass paradox. Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, 4 (2), 223-234.

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Official URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/215048...

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.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:2150-4857
Uncontrolled Keywords:anthropology; vigilante; vigilantism; superhero; social banditry
Group:Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
ID Code:37479
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:12 Sep 2022 09:20
Last Modified:12 Sep 2022 09:20

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