Bruised and Battered: Reinforcing Intimate Partner Violence in Comic Books

• DOI: 10.1177/1557085118772093
• Published date: 01 December 2019
• Author: Brandy B. Henderson,Tammy S. Garland,Christina Policastro,Kathryn A. Branch
• Date: 01 December 2019
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/1557085118772093

Feminist Criminology

2019, Vol. 14(5) 584 –611

© The Author(s) 2018

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DOI: 10.1177/1557085118772093

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Article

Bruised and Battered:

Reinforcing Intimate Partner

Violence in Comic Books

Tammy S. Garland1, Christina Policastro1,

Kathryn A. Branch2, and Brandy B. Henderson3

Abstract

Previous studies have examined intimate partner violence (IPV) in popular culture;

however, little attention has been given to the presence of domestic violence myths

in comic books. Using a convenience sample taken from popular comic book series,

this content analysis examines the prevalence of IPV and the myths used to justify

such portrayals. Findings indicate that the reinforcement of IPV through myths is

clearly evident within mainstream comic books. Discussion of the negative impact of

the acceptance and reinforcement of IPV myths is addressed.

Keywords

crime and victimization in popular culture, domestic violence, intimate partner

violence, qualitative research, victimization

Introduction

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health issue. The recent National

Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported that nearly 36% of women and

almost 29% of men in the United States have experienced some form of IPV in their

lifetimes (Black et al., 2011). This form of violence can be physical, sexual, and/or

emotional in nature and can be perpetrated by same or opposite sex intimate partners

including current or former spouses and/or dating partners (Centers for Disease

1The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, TN, USA

2The University of Tampa, FL, USA

3Tennessee Wesleyan University, Athens, TN, USA

Corresponding Author:

Tammy S. Garland, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Ave. 3203, Chattanooga,

TN 37403, USA.

Email: Tammy-Garland@utc.edu

772093FCXXXX10.1177/1557085118772093Feminist CriminologyGarland et al.

research-article2018

Garland et al. 585

Control, 2016). The consequences of IPV affect victims considerably both in the short-

and long term with studies identifying heightened risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD

(post-traumatic stress disorder), stomach-related illness, and revictimization (Black

et al., 2011). Prior research has documented that the way individuals perceive victims

of IPV can affect both societal responses to IPV and victims’ responses to their own

victimization (Flood & Pease, 2009; Worden & Carlson, 2005). Westbrook (2009)

suggested that perceptions are often influenced by domestic violence myths, which

refer to misconceptions and false beliefs about IPV, abusers, and victims. Whereas

individual adherence to domestic violence myths has been explored in multiple studies

(Peters, 2008; Policastro & Payne, 2013; Westbrook, 2009), scholars have just recently

begun to explore the perpetuation of IPV and domestic violence myths in popular

media (Franiuk & Coleman Apa, 2017; Shoos, 2003). One area that has been over-

looked is the comic book as a medium for highlighting social values, beliefs, and

perceptions, particularly in regard to IPV and domestic violence.1

Comic books represent a lucrative industry with North American sales estimated to

exceed US$1 billion in 2015 alone (Comichron, 2017). Although it is difficult to esti-

mate the actual number of individuals who read comic books, social media estimates

suggest that there were over 24 million self-proclaimed comic fans in 2014 with a

slight majority of this fan base being comprised of adult male readers (Schenker,

2014). This is likely a conservative estimate as some readers may not participate in

social media, or if they do, may not participate in the social media polls aimed at

assessing the prevalence of readership. Regardless, the storylines and characters have

expanded beyond the traditional print and digital media to mainstream films that have

reached an even broader audience who may not have consumed comics in their origi-

nal formats. For example, the Avengers, released in 2012, reported a lifetime gross of

over US$623 million with the film earning over US$200 million during its opening

weekend (Box Office Mojo, 2016). Considering the substantial fan base and the global

popularity of this form of literary discourse, it is important to consider how comics

shape and reflect readers’ conceptions of reality. Recently, there has been limited

scholarly attention to myth promotion in comics with a primary focus on gender role

stereotypes and perpetuation of rape myths (Phillips & Strobl, 2013; Garland, Branch,

& Grimes, 2016; Garland, Phillips, & Vollum, 2018). Domestic violence myths, how-

ever, have been relatively ignored. The purpose of the present study is to expand upon

this developing literature by examining instances of IPV in major comic books. More

specifically, we investigate the prevalence and nature of domestic violence myths

depicted via this specific type of popular culture media.

Literature Review

Gender inequality and victimization are reflected in all forms of popular media, comic

books included. Although comic books have a long tradition of addressing social jus-

tice issues (Bainbridge, 2007), the normalization of violence against women has

remained prevalent throughout these narratives. Wertham (1954) was the first to

acknowledge the inherent use of gendered violence within the comic industry, as many