Kaila Heltzel – Contributing Writer
kmh6945@psu.edu

The release of “Captain Marvel” in 2019 sparked the movement for female representation in the
marvel universe. Now, in 2022, we have female-fronted movies and shows such as “Wanda
Vision,” “She-Hulk,” “Black Widow,” etc. Although some of these follow through with the
comic path of Marvel, others are up to question if they were really necessary. Even taking the
relevance and accuracy of the film out, is the idea of feminism being overused or inadequately
portrayed?
For one, there is the television series “She Hulk” that puts a magnifying glass on sexism
throughout Jennifer’s life and in her field of law. In one episode, there is a moment of discussion
of how difficult it is to be a woman and how that alone is a constant obstacle to battle. However,
was this moment necessary? Could this not have been inadvertently portrayed instead of just
blatantly saying it and making it appear as a moment of complaint? Then, we can look at
“Avengers: Endgame” with the ‘epic’ scene of all the female heroes and supporters ready to help
Spider-Man. As much as this scene allowed a unified female front, it was once again a way of
flaunting feminism. Taking out the technicality of how they all magically appeared in the same
spot, was there no other way to give them a strong individual moment? Are these characters only
allowed to make a statement when standing together as opposed to individually?
Lastly, the movie “Captain Marvel,” the one that triggered this new adventure into female
representation. Throughout the movie, Captain Marvel is constantly struggling with her emotions
and thoughts while the men of the movie have no similar issues. She holds a conscience and
shows empathy in a society where it is frowned upon. Is this supposed to be a portrayal of
women? That we are the emotional gender but that it’s okay and to accept it? In comparison to
Valkyrie from “Thor: Ragnarök”, who also holds a decent amount of emotional baggage, and yet
she is not hindered or questioned about it. Instead, this character maintains a powerful force in
the battlefield and her gender is never tied to her capabilities. Or, we could even look at Pepper
Pots who saved Tony in “Iron Man 3” without some feminist line and still made her point that
males need saving too.
This new spotlight on female leads and feminism in the superhero world is by all means a
necessary one. After twenty years of male-dominated scenes, regardless of whether it is good or
not, it is inspiring and inclusive to those who are feminine inclined. However, there is a line
between tacky and naturally executed feminism. It seems female side characters are better used
for feminism like Valkyrie, Gamora, and Black Widow than the main ones as of late. Viewers do
not need to be force-fed moments of female superiority or blatantly told of the issues, just some
badass scenes of taking out the villain and overcoming obstacles as a feminine individual will
show the feminine capability.