Weston, Gavin. 2013. 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), pp. 223-234. ISSN 2150-4857 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

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
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1080/21504857.2012.682624
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Anthropology
Dates:	Date Event 2013 Published
Item ID:	11928
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2015 08:50
Last Modified:	12 Feb 2019 10:56
Peer Reviewed:	Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/11928

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