We often read about the unrealistic depictions of the female figure in comic books and, oh, say Barbie dolls. But what about the men, I ask you. What about the men? Ahem. Well, Newsday wonders the same thing, asking, How much muscle is too much?
Have you noticed just how freakishly muscled today’s superheroes have become?
“How could you not notice?” says Brad Meltzer, bestselling author of a new historical thriller, The Book of Fate (Warner Books), and a writer for the popular Justice League comic book series. “Superman’s biceps have biceps!”
Indeed, in both comic book and action figure form, the Man of Steel looks as if he’s been spending less time leaping tall buildings in a single bound than doing multiple sets of squats and bicep curls at the local gym.
But it’s not just superhero comics. Newsday looks at men’s fitness magazines, Playgirl centerfolds and “the great pop culture pump-up.”
September 12th, 2006 at 10:31 am
It should be noted, of course, that this is a false equivalence. Where the male form is exaggerated, it’s most often to emphasize strength (i.e., making the character larger than life, aka subjectification). Where the female form is exaggerated, it’s most often to emphasize sexual availability (i.e., making the character less than a whole person, aka objectification).
September 12th, 2006 at 10:50 am
Of course.
I just thought it was funny/strange that the article started with a focus on Superman, comics, and Brad Meltzer (who, I’m convinced, will shortly be interviewed by every working journalist in the U.S.).
September 12th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
Good find, Kevin, tho (similar to what Elayne notes) I’d starting with superheroes isn’t a good opening for an article about muscle dysmorphia. Male superheroes aren’t usually drawn with muscles that make them look like Men’s Fitness models, they’re usually buffed to the point of unattractiveness (with veins popping and muscle fibers showing).
September 12th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
Which pretty much proves that it’s not about making the male characters desirable, but instead impressive/intimidating…
September 12th, 2006 at 8:54 pm
Yep, exactly. For the most part, the article is dealing with body image issues that come from sexualized images of men in mainstream media, which one doesn’t really find from superheroes.
September 14th, 2006 at 6:22 am
Just more proof all male comic book fans are in the closet.
September 14th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
Honestly, I don’t think it’s as bad as it used to be, but then I’m using the 90s as a basis for comparison. Back in the day, it seemed like Superman and Batman had to be twice the size of anyone else in the room, and that their torsos would be giant upside-down triangles. Now it at least looks like they can move.
Not that the “old” way doesn’t creep back in sometimes. (Capatain America’s appearance in HOUSE OF M #1 was amusingly grotesque, bordering on Tick-like.)