Vaginal Fantasy Book Club discussion
Nov 2014: Mind Games/Karma Girl
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Superheroes in Pop Culture

It's pure pop culture and helped many careers. :)
The romance of the character "Penny" and the love triangle says it all. :P

Laura wrote: "As a person obsessed with She-Ra, Jem & the Holograms, Xena, Buffy, Lost Girl, Bitten & S.H.I.E.L.D. it is hard to put into words how excited I am about the November Vaginal Fantasy picks. Netflix..."
I think there's two different things going on. Is power fantasy a thing with male characters? DEFINITELY. The entire genre of thriller and action movies implicitly centered around that. There's superman, batman, etc. Except people would say they want "thrillers" and "action movies" with the implicit assumption that the character leading these movies is male. Female has become an "other" sort of category, even though technically they fall in the same genre. Netflix knows you want movies with female leads because they're rarer and harder to find.
I think "strong female character" initially meant "strong character", as in interesting, versus "strong female" as in strong but more and more I'm seeing women want female power fantasies as well. There's your Katniss and your Buffy.
I know with the Tomb Raider, there was major backlash because people thought she was a power fantasy and there were parts when she was powerless.
My favourite female superhero is Korra the current Avatar though. Hands down.
I think there's two different things going on. Is power fantasy a thing with male characters? DEFINITELY. The entire genre of thriller and action movies implicitly centered around that. There's superman, batman, etc. Except people would say they want "thrillers" and "action movies" with the implicit assumption that the character leading these movies is male. Female has become an "other" sort of category, even though technically they fall in the same genre. Netflix knows you want movies with female leads because they're rarer and harder to find.
I think "strong female character" initially meant "strong character", as in interesting, versus "strong female" as in strong but more and more I'm seeing women want female power fantasies as well. There's your Katniss and your Buffy.
I know with the Tomb Raider, there was major backlash because people thought she was a power fantasy and there were parts when she was powerless.
My favourite female superhero is Korra the current Avatar though. Hands down.





Indie comics have long been embracing awesome female superheroes. Look at characters like Aspen from Fathom. She is a marine biologist that finds out she has water powers and definitely uses them for good. How badass is that?
Or Casey in Morning Glories appears to have some kind of powers that is helping her make an impact. Well maybe. Readers really have no idea what is going on.
Sara from Witchblade, Buffy (yes she gets powers in the comics), Sela from Grimm Fairy Tales...so many great superhero-esq characters to choose from.


2004 Disney/Pixar release The Incredibles
This animated film did a fabulous job of showing women- 'real' women, 'super' women, in such a great light. Tall, short, big hips, super skinny, smart, sassy, manipulative... not victims, not only an extension of a male character...
Heck, even Edna Mode was nearly a power in and of herself (how DID she make those suits?) I adore Helen and her no-nonsense attitude and kick-butt skills (using her stretchy hips to knock out soldiers- classic!) Even Mirage grows and changes (though we don't really see much of her powers, do we?)
I guess I kind of wish the women from The Incredibles were more indicative of the direction of 'super' women in general. Not necessarily an Amazon supermodel with an itty bitty outfit and an invisible jet. Seriously, I have such issues with the whole invisible jet thing... I want to see junk in the trunk! I want to see more women, more reality, more variety!
As Laura mentioned, there is a precident for the viability of these female 'supers'. Zena, Buffy, Lost Girl, (among others) have showed us that people like it and it can be profitable. Women don't always have to be only a romantic interest, only a sex symbol, only a 'bad girl' villian (or sometimes/mostly villian)- we can be strong characters that kick butt separate from a male counterpart.
Sorry it's so ranty and rambly, I'm not sure I am even making sense... C'est la vie.
Alana ~ The Book Pimp wrote: "Now, I know this is kind of out of left field-ish... but can I just mention:
2004 Disney/Pixar release The Incredibles
This animated film did a fabulous job of showing women- 'real' women, 'super..."
I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THE INCREDIBLES.
Amazing call!
2004 Disney/Pixar release The Incredibles
This animated film did a fabulous job of showing women- 'real' women, 'super..."
I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THE INCREDIBLES.
Amazing call!


I don't even find it offensive- hell, I watched Xena, I watched Wonder Woman, Xena, Buffy, Lost Girl, Supergirl, Barbarella, She-Ra, Thundercats (Ho!), Aeon Flux (cartoon),Tank Girl, Hellboy... even the Adventure of Shark Boy and Lava Girl (I still can't see Twilight and look at 'jacob' without thinking of Sharkboy signing "Dream, dream, dream")...
It's more of a 'if I could have my ideal version of super ladies' then I'd like them to push the envelope, look beyond the sex- because it's been done. 'Super heroes' is such a saturated market, they need bold new ideas and I'd love for those ideas to include women in roles other than 'the sex kitten', 'the girl next door', 'the crazy one', the 'choatic-neutral-villian-but-not-really', 'the bookworm backup', 'the witch'... I want them not only to push the envelope, but tear it up and throw it away and open a whole box of awesome. It can still include some small or tight outfits, because they need to secure that staple male audience, but I want progressive innovation. if I had my way... which I pretty much don't.
OK... I've stepped off my soapbox, sorry to ramble on...
Orange wrote: "I might be in the minority here, but I like the skimpy Superhero outfits. If written well it's not offensive. Red Sonja wears her chain mail bikini because she likes it. I don't really even think a..."
Important thing to remember in the "they wear it because they like it" category is that they were written by people, mostly men, who had them wear it. In the words of Jessica Rabbit, "I was just drawn this way."
Wonderwoman's outfit has been redesigned to be practical and I adore it. But I still feel like the majority of female superhero outfits weren't, and I'd love for them to have the diversity, comfort and practicality of male superhero outfits.
Important thing to remember in the "they wear it because they like it" category is that they were written by people, mostly men, who had them wear it. In the words of Jessica Rabbit, "I was just drawn this way."
Wonderwoman's outfit has been redesigned to be practical and I adore it. But I still feel like the majority of female superhero outfits weren't, and I'd love for them to have the diversity, comfort and practicality of male superhero outfits.




I agree with that!


I'll just leave this here...


This would be a good time to suggest the Escher Girls tumblr for the dos and don'ts of superheroine costuming and posing.


I would like to see a female superhero take center stage on the big screen. Maybe Wonder Woman. I don't know much about her, but I would like too.

What I loved about them, what I've always loved, and what they no-so-coincidentally have in common with romance is that it's about the happy ending. The good guy does win. Doing the right thing pays off. Being kind is good. Being unkind is a character flaw.
And the best superhero stories show that heroes aren't perfect, that they're imperfect people who choose to help others because they want to alleviate the pain in the world.
As a kid growing up, Batman was my favorite because Batman also lost a parent when he was young. (in his case, both.) But while it obviously was a tragedy, Bruce Wayne showed it didn't mean his life was over. He used his tragedy to do his best to make sure no one else suffered as he suffered. (This was the O'Neil/Adams and later the Wein/Englehart eras.)
Batman and later others, offered hope to readers. The best superheroes stores do. (Watchmen excepted but that was supposed to be a commentary on why the real world doesn't have people in capes or spandex.)
It's why I love the genre even though their track record with female characters is so mixed. On the one hand, Lois Lane showed me the path to becoming a reporter and writer. OTOH, there are all those women in refrigerators. And, sadly, the two big publishers, until very recently, seemed to be going backward with their female characters. But lately, things seem to have shifted.
Er, that's longer than I meant to write.
In short, superheroes good. Romance good. Hope excellent.

Kick Ass.
There is something just so satisfying about seeing a 'little' girl wail upon all those bad guys

I always loved that Buffy the Vampire Slayer would change out of her platforms and sundresses and into jeans and sensible boots before going on patrol.

Kick Ass.
There is something just so satisfying about seeing a 'little' girl wail upon all those bad guys"
I totally agree! Great movie!!

Yes, exactly! Even on Agents of SHIELD, Melinda May has a pretty high chunky heel on her combat boots when she's out in the field. So frustrating. Sure, she can kick ass and take names in high heeled shoes and has done so, but I don't understand why she has to have a high chunky heel on her combat boots. Being fashionable would seem like the least of May's worries.
Also, on Doctor Who I think it's interesting to note that Amy Pond never wears anything but practical shoes when she's running around with the Doctor. Karen Gillan apparently specifically requested that the costume department not put her in heels or any other impractical shoes, because it made no sense to wear those kind of shoes when she's adventuring. So that's pretty cool.

(Romance novella rec: How to Date a Henchman)

Guys, come on. It gets cold perching artistically on rooftops or flying through the upper atmosphere. The cape is the spandex wearer's alternative to tying a cardigan around your waist or shoulders in case you get chilly later (and considering how poorly Lycra would conceal your nipples' inevitable response to the cold... you'll need a cover up sooner or later).
My issue is with the open hair. If you have long hair, you know what just driving with the windows open can do to your hairstyle. How do you fly and maneuver and keep your tresses looking, well, super? And, hello, keeping your hair out of your nemesis' clutches during a fight?

(Romance novella rec: [book..."
The henchmen are important but we have to remember that all evil geniuses have better halves. I'm thinking specifically of my hero Dr. Girlfriend... well, Mrs. Dr. The Monarch. Her love and support of The Monarch as well as her tolerance for his tunnel vision obsession of hunching is an inspiration for all. She's a role model for all female evil geniuses. She doesn't lose herself, but also her husband to add to her. Also, I just love cosplaying her.

Aquaman is totally badass! And his revamped image is very sexy ;) I'd love to see his tale made into a movie.

Actually, DC announced an Aquaman movie a few weeks ago. It's scheduled for the 27th July 2018 if everything goes according to their plans. Not sure which version they’ll be doing, though. But Jason Momoa (from Game of Thrones) has been cast in the role. He’ll play the part in Dawn of Justice and the Justice League movies as well.

As for capes, there was this one time when Dick Grayson complained about having to wear a cape as Batman. Dick, being a former aerialist, didn't like the way the cape restricted his movements. His pixie boot Robin cape being much shorter. :)

That is cool news! I can't wait.

Also, on the subject of female superhero costumes in movies, I consider myself a purist. By that, I mean that if the original comic has a female character in a sexy outfit that is not offensive (such as my beloved Wonder Woman), then any movies with that character should stick to the costume from the comic. I agree that WW is starting to look too much like Xena, who I love, but who is NOT Wonder Woman. Costume-wise I really like Black Widow's full leather(?) spandex (?) bodysuit. It doesn't show much skin and is impressively practical, but she's still sexy as hell.
Lastly, The Incredibles is my favorite Disney movie of all time. Not only is Helen built like a real woman, but she gets to be real hero just by doing what she does best: taking care of her family. I totally think of my mom every time I watch it.


All of that UST in early seasons of Smallville? Broken hearts = Arch Nemeses. So much more relatable than all the other reasons characters get set up as villains, because who hasn't been stunned by what evils are unleashed by a breakup.
Shelley wrote: "One thing in the superhero genre I think is overdone is the idea that a superhero can't have a love life because if the bad guys ever found out it could be used against him. And it's always a 'him'..."
Is that true?? That when female superheroes are in relationships with men, they are also always superheroes? That's a very interesting point. I know male superhero characters need a "damsel" to rescue but I wonder why female superheroes don't get damsels?
(Not that I mind getting rid of the trope. I'm just curious about why they're always paired up with another superhero.)
Is that true?? That when female superheroes are in relationships with men, they are also always superheroes? That's a very interesting point. I know male superhero characters need a "damsel" to rescue but I wonder why female superheroes don't get damsels?
(Not that I mind getting rid of the trope. I'm just curious about why they're always paired up with another superhero.)

1. Ms. Marvel - Kamala Khan is a first generation Pakistani American super hero who is so reminiscent of the old Peter Parker. It's so refreshing to deal with this different perspective on being a teenage superhero.
2. She Hulk - I know this sounds ridiculous, but Jennifer Walters got her powers through a blood transfusion from her cousin 'the hulk'. This new comic deals mostly with her dealing with lawyer problems and the occasionally investigation using her powers. It's so great to see this female power fantasy. Who wouldn't want to smash a table when unfairly fired?
3. Captain Marvel - well know Ms. Marvel has claimed this title a few years ago. Great run lots of space adventures lately.
4. Young Avengers - this a short run comic that's come out in trades. It's stars a very diverse case (two male characters in a touching romance). It's written for teens, but I enjoyed it immensely. (it stars kid Loki nuff said)
Those are just some amazing comics that are being made today with diverse superheroes.
As far as comic book romances let me say my favorite: Rogue & Gambit

Actually, I think Batwoman is in a relationship with the female Captain of Gotham's Major Crimes Unit. Or at least she was at one point. I am not really up to date with that storyline. But there was a lot of mutual saving going on at one time. ;)
As for strong female superheroes, there are quite a few in the DC universe who have solo titles as well.
Aside from Wonder Woman we have Batgirl, Supergirl, Batwoman and World's Finest (Huntress and Power Girl). I also think the new Gotham Academy has a large female cast. I know they aren't as exciting as some of the stuff Marvel has brought out recently (especially now that we have a female Thor and a shapeshifting/gender changing Loki) but some of those series have a long history of pushing boundaries.

Wonder Woman is an Amazon. You can't get much more warrior culture than that. There is precedent for the leather Xena-ish outfit in Wonder Woman history, as well. Just be happy they didn't go with the bondage sex slave Star Saphire version.

Geohyde wrote: "Anja wrote: Is that true?? That when female superheroes are in relationships with men, they are also always superheroes? That's a very interesting point. I know male superhero characters need a "da..."
I'm curious though if when she's dating a man, he's always also in a position of power. Are there any dominant female superhero in power paired up with a man who has no powers? And if there aren't, why not?
I'm curious though if when she's dating a man, he's always also in a position of power. Are there any dominant female superhero in power paired up with a man who has no powers? And if there aren't, why not?

I think it's that old notion that men have to, like a white knight, save the damsel in distress from some big dragon... the male superheros can have 'muggle' love interests because they can continue to 'save' them and reinforce that theme. But women... even 'super' women are not allowed to 'save' a man. They can have a 'super' love interest that is strong enough to dominate them (not saying I agree with this now) that is strong enough to work with them; women can aid men but cannot be the sole ones to save them because that would make men look like dickless pussies... and you know how well that thought (even these days) goes over.
'Super' women have come a long way, and I agree they should be able to have a love interest that isn't some great power in and of himself, but we still have a long way to go before I think we'll see that concept go mainstream.
Although, contrary to everything above... I'll throw another wrench into the forray:
the movie My Super Ex-Girlfriend. Discuss. ;)

The ancient Greek myths were pretty brutal about mortals who dated the gods. If the god were a goddess the mortal guy would always end up disabled somehow--blind, crippled, turned into a poodle. Don't mess with that imbalance of power.

Ohhh! Good point! Kinda odd that they exalted and praised the children of such unions (Hercules, Achilles, Perseus) but not the initial mortal involved with the Gods themselves. Perhaps it's the 'birth' of slut shaming? ;)

What do you guys think about romance in the superhero genre? Women's roles in it? Points for us to discuss if we can get our podcast together this month, which will center on the general theme of our month's books in pop culture!