Date of Award

Spring 5-7-2025

Author's School

Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

Author's Department

Graduate School of Art

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration & Visual Culture

Degree Type

Thesis

Abstract

This research delves into the impact queer representation in the shoujo (Japanese for young girl) genre has on audiences. More specifically, the “Magical Girl” (a subgenre of shoujo) genre’s main focus is about ordinary girls whose lives are drastically changed when they are given magical powers. One of the major plot points of magical girl media is how these girls find balance with their ordinary lives with their magical alter egos, and their attempts to keep these lives separate. Much of this media follows a small group of girls, who tend to build deeply emotionally intimate relationships as they share this secret identity with one another. In some instances, these relationships can blossom into romantic ones, while others are left up to interpretation. In this research, I have found LGBTQ+ representation can also be vital to queer communities, as many have experienced discrimination due to their gender or sexual identities. Due to this prejudice, many fans have turned to the magical girl genre, as these shows and characters can bring comfort reminicisent of their childhood. Additionally, animated and illustrated characters can have a longer shelf life than living actors, as they are scarcely under scandolous fire, allowing audiences to be lifelong fans. The building of these fan audiences can have created what is considered fan culture, or fandom. Fan culture can have agreat impact on how these shows and relationships are interpreted, doing reparative work through fanart, fanfiction, and cosplay. With the creation of magical girl content whether it be from fans or creators, I argue that the genre can be reflective of the queer experience.

Language

English

Program Chair

John Hendrix

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