Page - 45 - in JRFM - Journal Religion Film Media, Volume 03/01

Rampant Lechers, Chaste Heroes | 45www.jrfm.eu 2017, 3/1, 45–57 Theresia Heimerl Rampant Lechers, Chaste Heroes (De-)Sexualised Violence in Comic book Screen Adaptations ABstrACt Violence is a central element of comic book screen adaptations in both hollywood (Marvel, DC) and Japan. Yet while sexual violence is openly shown in film versions of manga, coded sexualised violence dominates Western productions. Positively con- noted protagonists exercise violence, but no sexualised or sexual violence, in both groups. Conversely, villains are characterised by violence and some form of sexually grounded violence, but in Western films, they are ultimately repressed lechers, and only in Japanese productions do they rampantly lose their inhibitory control. Moreo- ver, the heroes of Japanese films are noticeably less chaste than the almost ascetic- celibate romantics of Marvel and DC. KeyWOrDs sexual violence, comic heroes, Lone Wolf and Cub, Daredevil, Watchmen, Deadpool, religious narrative BiOGrAPhy theresia heimerl is Professor of religious studies at the University of Graz. iNtrODUCtiON A reviewer keeping track of the numerous screen adaptations of Marvel and DC comics released in the United states over the past decade would be hard pressed (with only two exceptions) to find one thing: sex. A dash of bittersweet romance, in rare cases a hint that “it” might happen or, indeed, has already hap- pened, certainly, but no sex. Conversely, violence is omnipresent in film adapta- tions of the two big publishers’ comics, albeit to distinctly varying degrees, re- flecting the respective target group, i.e. whether a PG-13 rating was sought. The other country that produces large numbers of commercially successful comics