Could Guinevere ever be a superhero? Depictions of a warrior queen in Camelot 3000 (1982–1985). Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allocco, Katherine
• Is Part Of: Journal of graphic novels & comics. Volume 9:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Camelot 3000 -- Arthuriana -- Queen Guinevere -- medievalism in comics -- DC Comics -- gender -- sexuality; Graphic novels -- Periodicals; Comic books, strips, etc -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Periodicals; Art, Modern -- 21st century -- Periodicals; Art, Modern; Comic books, strips, etc; Graphic novels; Popular culture; Comicroman; Comic; Periodicals; 741.5
• DOI: 10.1080/21504857.2017.1299022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-4857

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Camelot 3000, one of Arthuriana's most influential comic series, has reimagined Queen Guinevere as a heroic warrior who attempts to atone for previous transgressions by slipping on a minidress, picking up a futuristic gun and battling invading aliens. In this book, Guinevere has transcended medieval and modern assumptions of women by occupying a traditionally male sphere and being able to fight with the Knights. She has not, however, been able to transcend medieval and modern assumptions about women's bodies and sexuality, which remain overly emphasised throughout her storylines, most of which revolve around her emotional and sexual turmoil. The need to sexualise Guinevere, position her as a damsel in distress and perpetuate literary traditions, found especially in Malory, hobbles her transformation into a hero and exemplifies the difficulties that medieval female characters often face when they enter the pages of comic books as warriors.