We are living in a golden age of superhero stories. They are found in comic books, TV series, and films. Some academics belittle pop culture and see it as unworthy of study. It would be remiss, though, to oversimplify it as merely amusing fiction. To do so is to ignore the fact that many of these superhero stories help us explore social issues.
For my project I want to focus on how these stories shape our societal attitudes towards deformity and disability. I will specifically explore the trope of the disabled villain and why, despite criticism from disability rights activists, it continues to be prevalent in superhero stories. I will look at questions such as: Are deformity and disability necessary to give a villain an extra layer of menace, or is it lazy writing? Would the Joker still be one of the most iconic villains if he were not deformed and mentally disabled? How does representation of disabled people in fictional worlds affect people with disabilities in the real world?
Moreover, I will examine Barbara Gordon’s transformation from Batgirl to Oracle. When the Joker shoots her and she becomes paraplegic, Gordon struggles to accept her new life and decides to reinvent herself into Oracle. This heroine uses her incredible computer skills to catch villains and facilitate social justice. Controversy arose, however, when DC announced in 2011 that they were going to make Barbara Gordon walk again. I will particularly look at the backlash that this decision received by many in the disabled community, but also the praise it garnered from having Batgirl’s new story arc focus on PTSD issues.
About the presenterFrances M Zapata
Frances Zapata has a BA and an MA in English Literature from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras. Moreover, she possesses an Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies from CUNY. Ms Zapata has participated in various conferences and radio shows in Puerto Rico, where she talked about disability representation in popular culture.