Emily Carter
Fat representation in comics and webcomics is a topic that has gained traction in recent years, with readers and fans calling for more diverse and positive portrayals of fat characters. While there are a few notable examples of fat superheroes and main characters, such as Faith Herbert from Valiant Comics and Julie from Moonstruck, the list of positive fat representations is still considered small by many. The hyper-focus on thin characters in the comics industry is a concern for some, especially as cultural attitudes towards fatness seem to be shifting. There is a desire for fat characters to be portrayed as more than just the funny, fat sidekick, and for their weight to be a part of their character without being the punchline or the main focus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Theme | Confronting biases and pushing for inclusivity |
| Tone | Encouraging, delightful, warm, fuzzy, subtle, sumptuous |
| Plot | Size takes a back seat to the plot |
| Characters | Powerful, positive fat characters, fat superheroes, fat sidekicks |
| Character Names | Grace, Jane, Faith Herbert, Squirrel Girl, Julie, Beth, Chanda, Hudi |
| Character Traits | Large stomach, double chins, sparkling eyes, soft curves |
| Character Portrayal | Fat characters are not the punchline, not desexualized |
| Character Background | Fat characters are portrayed as sensitive about their werewolf status, not their size |
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What You'll Learn
Fat representation in comics is important
Historically, fat characters in comics have often been typecast as comic relief or relegated to sidekick roles, perpetuating negative stereotypes that associate fatness with laziness, greed, or poor intelligence. This not only limits the representation of fat people in media but also contributes to fatphobic attitudes and discrimination. By increasing the number of fat characters in comics and portraying them in positive, multi-dimensional ways, creators can help dismantle these stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.
Faith Herbert from Valiant Comics is praised for her portrayal as a powerful, unapologetic fat superhero. Her weight is addressed in the story, but it does not define her character or become a punchline. Similarly, Julie from Image Comics' Moonstruck is drawn with a delightfully fat body, and her size is simply an accessory to her supernatural adventures. These representations are important because they showcase fat characters living full lives, falling in love, and possessing magical powers, just like their thin counterparts.
Additionally, fat representation in comics can help readers feel seen and validated. Many people have shared their joy at discovering positive fat representation in comics, feeling empowered by seeing themselves reflected in the media they consume. This representation can be especially impactful for children and young adults, helping them develop a positive body image and self-esteem at a formative age.
In conclusion, fat representation in comics is important because it challenges stereotypes, promotes inclusivity, and empowers readers. By increasing the number of diverse fat characters and portraying them in nuanced, positive ways, comics can play a pivotal role in fostering a more accepting society that celebrates bodies of all shapes and sizes.
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Portraying fatness as an insult
Fatness has long been associated with negative stereotypes and assumptions about a person's character, intelligence, and morality. In media and popular culture, fat characters are often relegated to the role of the "funny, fat sidekick" or portrayed as lazy, unintelligent, selfish, or greedy. This perpetuates the idea that fatness is something to be mocked or looked down upon, contributing to fat-shaming and promoting unhealthy beauty standards.
Webcomics, as a form of media, have not been exempt from this type of portrayal. While there are some webcomics that offer positive representations of fat characters, there are also many that use fatness as a punchline or as a convenient excuse to mock or insult certain characters. This is especially prevalent in webcomics that focus on dieting or weight loss journeys, where the struggles of the characters are played for laughs or used to reinforce negative stereotypes about fat people.
The use of "cute chick" and "fat broad" as character names in the B.C. comic strip, which was later changed to "Grace" and "Jane", is indicative of how fatness has been used as an insult or a source of mockery in webcomics. While some might argue that this type of humour is harmless, it contributes to a culture that sees fatness as something negative or abnormal, reinforcing the idea that being fat is undesirable and something to be avoided or ridiculed.
To move towards a more inclusive and body-positive culture, it is important that webcomics and other forms of media confront their biases and work towards more diverse and accurate representations of fat characters. This includes portraying fat characters as complex individuals with a range of personalities, strengths, and flaws, rather than reducing them to one-dimensional stereotypes. It also involves challenging the assumption that fatness is inherently unhealthy or unattractive and recognising that body size is only one aspect of a person's identity.
By providing positive representations of fat characters in webcomics, we can help to normalise body diversity, promote self-acceptance, and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful culture that values people of all shapes and sizes.
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Fat characters as the punchline
While fat representation in comics is important, it is often limited and negative. For instance, in the B.C. comic strip, the characters 'Cute Chick' and 'Fat Broad' were renamed 'Grace' and 'Jane', respectively, in 2019. This change was met with mixed reactions, with some commenters on Reddit calling it "impressively stupid" and predicting that it would not appease the "woke crowd".
In another example, a webcomic features an overweight main character who is put on a strict diet but ends up gaining weight. This story arc perpetuates stereotypes and disinformation about weight loss and metabolism.
Fat characters are often portrayed as the "funny, fat sidekick" or desexualized and are rarely shown experiencing a full life. When they do appear, they are usually white, blonde, and played by thin actors in TV or film adaptations. This lack of positive representation contributes to negative cultural attitudes toward fatness and reinforces stereotypes that fat people are lazy, unintelligent, selfish, greedy, and poor.
However, there are some notable examples of positive fat representation in comics. Faith Herbert from Valiant Comics is described as the "gold standard" for her portrayal as a large-stomached, double-chinned superhero. Julie from Image Comics' Moonstruck is drawn as delightfully fat, with a sweet round face and wonderful curves, and her size is simply an accessory to her supernatural adventures. Other examples include Squirrel Girl from Marvel, Gert Yorkes from Runaways, and Microchip from Marvel's Punisher comics.
To improve fat representation in comics, it is important to include more diverse fat characters and portray them as more than just a punchline or a sidekick. They should be allowed to be powerful, heroic, and fully realized characters with complex storylines and personalities that go beyond their weight.
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Fat characters in positive, powerful roles
While there are some positive, powerful roles for fat characters in web comics, TV shows, and movies, there is a general consensus that there is a lack of representation. When fat characters are included, they are often portrayed as lazy, unintelligent, selfish, greedy, and poor. This is especially true for fat female characters, who are often forced into positions of poverty and are unable to afford things like gym memberships, fresh food, and clothing that fits their bodies.
However, there are some notable exceptions to this. For example, in the webcomic "Big Jo," one of the main characters is put on a strict diet but ends up gaining weight. While this could be seen as falling into the fat-shaming trope, some readers may find it relatable and an accurate representation of their own struggles with weight loss.
Another example of a positive fat character is Claire on Derry Girls, played by Nicola Coughlan. Claire is smart, funny, caring, queer, ambitious, and slightly unhinged, and her body shape is completely irrelevant to who she is or how she is treated. Samson Kayo's Oluwande on Our Flag Means Death is another standout fat character. He is warm-hearted, brave, and logical, and his romance is very sweet and swoon-worthy.
In the Marvel universe, Squirrel Girl is a fat superhero who appears multiple times. She is listed on the Valiant website as "Los Angeles' #1 superhero." Faith Herbert, also known as Faith "Zephyr" Herbert, appears in several Valiant titles and is another powerful, positive fat character. Spinnerella from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is also a highlight for fat representation. She is depicted as powerful, brave, strong, and beautiful, which is especially magical to see in a superhero.
While there are some positive examples of fat characters in media, there is still a long way to go to achieve better representation.
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Fat representation in webcomics
Characters like Faith Herbert from Valiant comics, Julie from Image Comics' Moonstruck, and Squirrel Girl from Marvel are all positive representations of fat characters. In these comics, the characters' weights are discussed, but they are never the punchline. They are also not reduced to the "funny, fat sidekick" trope. However, when these characters are adapted for TV or film, they are often played by thin actors, which takes away the positive representation that fat readers may have felt in the comics.
Some readers have noted that it took them years to see a fat woman experiencing a full life on a TV series or comic, rather than being relegated to a sidekick role. They want to see fat mutants, time travelers, gods, and superheroes. They want fat characters who are more than just their weight and are not defined by stereotypes of laziness, cruelty, or evilness.
Webcomics and graphic novels with fat representation often feature diverse body types and sizes, with weight taking a backseat to the plot. For instance, in the graphic novel featuring Manu and Josefina, the plot focuses on their magical adventures rather than their sizes. Similarly, in Moonstruck, Julie is much more concerned about her werewolf status than her weight, which is simply an accessory to her supernatural adventures. These types of stories provide meaningful representation for fat readers, who rarely see themselves portrayed in a positive light in popular culture.
Overall, while there are some examples of fat representation in webcomics and graphic novels, there is a need and desire for more diverse and positive portrayals of fat characters in these mediums.
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Frequently asked questions
There is a lack of representation of fat women in comics, and when they are represented, they are often portrayed as lazy, unintelligent, selfish, greedy, or poor. This is changing, with more fat female characters appearing in web comics and graphic novels, such as Faith Herbert from Valiant comics, Julie from Moonstruck, and Beth from the Click universe.
Some examples of web comics with fat female characters include Moonstruck, Click, and B.C. Comic Strip.
It is important to have fat representation in web comics to confront biases and push for inclusivity. Fat characters can be powerful, dynamic, and fully realized, just like their thin counterparts.
We can encourage more fat representation in web comics by supporting creators who include diverse characters in their stories and by advocating for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in the comic book industry.
