Date of Graduation
Spring 5-29-2020
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies (MAPS)
College/School
College of Arts and Sciences
Department/Program
Asia Pacific Studies
First Advisor
Genevieve Leung
Abstract
In this paper the author explores the cross-cultural transmission of genre archetypes in illustrated media. Specifically, the representation of the archetype of American superheroes as represented in the Japanese manga and anime series, My Hero Academia. Through examination of the extant corpus of manga chapters and anime episodes for the franchise, the author draws comparison between characters and situations in the manga series with examples from American comic books by Marvel Comics and DC Comics. By skillfully incorporating foundational themes of American superhero comics into the shonen manga genre, My Hero Academia joins a growing collection of media that draws inspiration from overseas, to be distributed for global consumption. In this way it serves as the ultimate form of cultural exchange.
Recommended Citation
Waller, Jerry, "The World’s Greatest Hero: An Examination of Superhero Tropes in My Hero Academia" (2020). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1006.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1006
Included in
Comparative Literature Commons, Japanese Studies Commons, Modern Literature Commons, Visual Studies Commons
