Cringeworthy Comicbook Moments: Raven Vs. the "Male Gaze"

[espanolbot]

Cringeworthy moments both accidental and on purpose.

Trigger warning for discussion of sexism, racism, and a rape reference

First up, a bit from the beginning of the Titans East storyline that introduced Adam Beechen to the book as well as the revelation that Cass Cain was drugged. Cassie Sandsmark, Tim Drake and Raven are talking, but for some reason Raven's ass has taken centre stage.


See, there's this thing in feminist theory called the Male Gaze, where art gives the illusion of it being seen through a hetrosexual man's eyes. Which kind of raises the issue of why, if the characters are in a the midst of a conversation about how the Titans aren't a family anymore, why the readers' eyes are meant to be drawn to Raven's ass.

Here is Plastic Man's series making a point about post-Identity Crisis DC in the most awkward way possible,





After Luke Cage is rushed to hospital after being blown up for his part in the Secret War, the hospital he's booked into it attacked by (non-Doom affiliated) cyborg suicide bombers. Jessica Jones shows up to find her bf missing, and due to this being the Marvel Universe, a nurse knows exactly what to blame!



With a truce settled between the Authority and Gen13, Grudge decides to try his luck with his pre-reboot girlfriend. Considering they were only just talked down from murdering the lot of them... this isn't the best course of action.





Jen tries to save the Marvel Universe,



All Star Batman and Black Canary, why you so... you?





A bit of anti-sex propaganda,



Oh my god, what's wrong with your faaaaacceeee?