ABSTRACT
As produced by and embedded in capitalist institutions, comics often offer themes and representations that reinforce economic hegemony. Critical Theory uses the theoretical concepts of Marxism and the Frankfurt School (such as Horkheimer and Adorno, “The Culture Industry”) and the method of textual/ideological analysis to inform interpretations of comics. Such concepts include pseudo-individualism and ideologically based representations of different economic classes and class relations. A trope in superhero comics is the celebration of the individual capitalist, most notably seen in the portrayals of Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Tony Stark (Iron Man). Although occasionally their wealth may be ironically commented upon (such as Batman “performing” Bruce Wayne’s rich lifestyle), nevertheless much of their influence and their ability to do good is attributed to their amassing of wealth. In addition, both of their relationships to larger superhero teams (the Justice League and the Avengers) highlight their individualism and unique status as a wealthy person in capitalism. The purpose of Critical Theory analyses is to illustrate how ideological messages influenced by larger social structures may be infused not only in individual storylines but also in assumptions about characters and their economic status.
