Writers like Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Mark Millar, and Garth Ennis depict political struggles beautifully through their stories. They have humanized superheroes by breaking down iconic characters and deconstructing bright superhero facts through their iconic storylines.
But when we talk about political comic book writers, Alan Moore always tops the list, especially for The Watchmen and V For Vendetta.
So what do you think as a reader? Are superheroes political? Of course, they are!
Let's divide the popular superheroes as right-leaning and left-leaning (who cares what political-leaning Squirrel girl has!).
For the sake of this article post, let us assume that superheroes that fight to protect the status quo as right-wingers and heroes who try day in and out to change the world are left-leaning.
Read the article and feel free to disagree because disagreements make politics fun!
The Conservatives
The Caped Crusader
Consider that Bruce Wayne is a rich guy who helps the people from an incompetent government and doesn't trust the police! Although he has little or no trust in the government and the G.C.P.D., he has trusted allies on both sides. He is disciplined and fights to maintain order. All these make Batman quite a conservative, won't you say?
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| Source - Screen Rant |
But then again, the dark knight fights for the weak, defend those ignored by the upper class, and constantly fights to bring down the godly and almighty characters like Superman to a very human level!
Captain America
Steve Rogers is patriotic and lives to serve his country. However, Captain America is more than just that. He loves his country but doesn't always agree with the government!
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| Source - CBR |
For instance, Cap went against the government in Civil War (not just in the movie, but in the comics too). He fought with almost half of Marvel superheroes, including the loudest right-wing superhero, Iron Man.
Iron Man
Iron Man is the poster boy for various reasons. In his backstory in the comics, he was kidnapped by a Chinese communist extremist, and in modern times, in the 2008 Iron Man movie, the Taliban-inspired terrorists abducted him. America didn't like communists back then, and in modern times, post 9/11, it's the Al-Qaeda-inspired terrorists.
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| Source - Screen Rant |
Further, Tony Stark isn't one of the physically strong characters, yet he roams freely and makes his identity public! Are we to believe that since Iron Man is under the protection of S.H.I.E.L.D., nobody can dare attack him, and of course, he always has 3 Iron suits ready all the time?
And the villains?
Villains like Lex Luthor, Dr. Doom, Sinestro, and Green Goblin are overwhelmingly right-wing - they are wealthy and brilliant, seeking an order on their own terms, and want power for themselves.
However, when you think about Lex Luthor trying to humble an all-powerful god-like being, you might consider him a bit left-leaning too.
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| Source - 411Mania |
Leftists
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a feminist icon who fought misogyny and male dominations like no other female superhero. However, she is not violent or aggressive; instead, she is kind, compassionate, and loving.
Although Diana, Wonder Woman, is far more powerful than Steve Trevor, she treats him as her equal.
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| Source - Den of Geek |
She fights alongside Superman, Batman, and all D.C. A-listers without losing her distinct characteristics.
X-Men
This has to be a no-brainer! A special group of people who are rejected by the world, brought together by a leader. They fight to change society and their mindset. Yes, Charles Xavier is a classy elitist gentleman, but aren't many leftists having a bit of snobbery? No?
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| Source - Screen Rant |
Technically, Magneto is not an X-Man, but still, he is left-leaning too! He created his own group of mutants and fights with the society that looks down upon them.
Anarchists
Yes, Joker and Deadpool, that's it!
The centrists
Characters like Spider-Man and Superman are above politics. They do what is necessary and are the least politically charged characters.
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| Source - Screen Rant |
However, Mark Millar added some political leanings in the characters in Red Son and Civil War. However, both the characters rose above the politics and helped people like true superheroes. It was fun to see Superman growing up in Soviet Ukraine instead of Kansas and Spider-Man eventually going against the government to help Steve Rogers.
Summing up
Superheroes arguably cannot be defined as right-wingers or leftists absolutely. We see them challenging and defending and fighting the justice system from time to time.
It's always fun trying to find the political leanings of the superheroes, but that largely depends on the writer.
Where would you put superheroes and supervillains? Let us know.
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