Event Title

Indigenous Superheroism in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Location

King Building 237

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-27-2019 4:00 PM

End Date

4-27-2019 5:20 PM

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to investigate the relationship between indigeneity and the superhero in Marvel Studios’ "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017), "Black Panther" (2018), and "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018). Critics have recognized the imperialist goals of the villains in "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Black Panther," but little critical attention has been brought to the imperialist rhetoric espoused by "Avengers: Infinity War" villain, Thanos (Josh Brolin). My research identifies how the indigenous backgrounds of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) prime them to become anti-imperialist superheroes. In centering indigeneity, these films develop the superhero film genre as a locus for critiquing the exceptionalism of the superhero character. In doing so, "Ragnarok," "Black Panther," and "Infinity War" advocate for a reconfiguration of superheroism that incorporates the experiential realities and histories of marginalized communities within the realm of fantasy.

Keywords:

Marvel Cinematic Universe, imperialism, indigeneity, superhero films, Thor, Black Panther, The Avengers, Cinema Studies, superhero studies

Notes

Session VI, Panel 16 - Cinema | Studies
Moderator: Joseph Lubben, Associate Professor of Music Theory

Major

Cinema Studies; English

Award

Oberlin College Research Fellowship

Advisor(s)

William Patrick Day, Cinema Studies and English

Project Mentor(s)

William Patrick Day, Cinema Studies and English

April 2019

This document is currently not available here.

COinS
 
Apr 27th, 4:00 PM Apr 27th, 5:20 PM

Indigenous Superheroism in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

King Building 237

The purpose of this project is to investigate the relationship between indigeneity and the superhero in Marvel Studios’ "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017), "Black Panther" (2018), and "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018). Critics have recognized the imperialist goals of the villains in "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Black Panther," but little critical attention has been brought to the imperialist rhetoric espoused by "Avengers: Infinity War" villain, Thanos (Josh Brolin). My research identifies how the indigenous backgrounds of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) prime them to become anti-imperialist superheroes. In centering indigeneity, these films develop the superhero film genre as a locus for critiquing the exceptionalism of the superhero character. In doing so, "Ragnarok," "Black Panther," and "Infinity War" advocate for a reconfiguration of superheroism that incorporates the experiential realities and histories of marginalized communities within the realm of fantasy.