Building on the trend set by the original works of superhero fiction, the modern superhero genre is not without positive, progressive values in its narratives: the challenge is to inspire adoption of further progressive values. In superhero fiction, the greater genre can be almost totally attributed to Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and the associated film-media-producing branches of those two organizations. Marvel and DC are titans in the superhero genre. While DC has lasted since the initial popularization of the superhero genre, the introduction of Superman, Marvel is prolific in producing films, having created roughly three times as many films as DC.[1] These two companies, in many ways, are the popular modern superhero genre. These two franchises are responsible for an overwhelming majority of superhero movies, television programs, and comics. Those works are becoming more progressive. Indeed, veteran movie journalist Scott Mendelson refers to the release of Marvel’s Black Panther as “a genuine triumph for pop culture, social progress and onscreen representation.”[2] This “triumph” and “progress” are likely drawn from the Mendelson’s praise of successful “representation.” Representation can be quantified through several informal metrics, often referred to as tests. Monique Jones, a writer experienced in media diversity journalism, included this in her review of Black Panther:
- Black Panther is the first Marvel film that goes beyond merely passing the Bechdel test; it also passes the racial Bechdel test (a film that features two women of color conversing about something other than a white person) and the DuVernay test (a film that features non-white female characters with fully-realized lives and aren’t in service to white narratives).[3]
Jones is clear in identifying Black Panther as a movie indicative of progress in the portrayal and representation of both women and non-white characters in the superhero genre. This progress, identified as a moral good by the previous ethical argument, drives the culture of the United States towards further acceptance of pro-women and pro-racial-minority progressive values. Black Panther is not without fault, however. The Bechdel test sets an astonishingly low bar for movies. The less-used Mako-Mori test provides an additional level of criticism: at least one female in a movie must undergo a personal narrative arc which is not about supporting the narrative arc of a male character.[4] The Mako-Mori test provides an additional step in further portrayal and representation of women. Black Panther does not pass the Mako-Mori test. Encouraging modern superhero fiction towards further acceptance of positive progressive values must include recognition and observance of tests like the Mako-Mori test.
[1] Mark Hughes, “How Marvel Studios Movies And DC Extended Universe Films Stack Up At The Box Office,” Forbes, published February 8, 2018; accessed April 29, 2018, https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2018/02/08/how-marvel-studios-movies-and-dc-extended-universe-films-stack-up-at-the-box-office/#572aa4924604.
[2] Scott Mendelson, “Why Supporting ‘Black Panther’ (Or ‘Wonder Woman’) Isn’t Enough To Promote Diversity,” Forbes, published March 27, 2018; accessed April 29, 2018, https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2018/03/27/when-just-seeing-black-panther-or-wonder-woman-isnt-enough/#6afab4311a20.
[3] Monique Jones, “Black Panther,” Mediadiversity Reviews, published February 23, 2018; accessed April 29, 2018, https://www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews/2018/2/23/black-panther.
[4] vwiffblogger, “The Bechdel & Mako Mori Test,” Women in Film & Television (blog), published January 18, 2015; accessed April 29, 2018, https://wiftv.wordpress.com/2014/01/28/the-bechdel-mako-mori-test/.