Blue Scorpion
Alex Thomas
As Am 560
10/5/12
Option 2
Through racism and stereotypes, we examine how Asian-American superheroes are often relegated to a secondary or “side-kick” status in modern comic books. In “Blue Scorpion and Chung,” we take a look at Chung, an Asian-American chauffeur whose advanced combat skills and athleticism are dwarfed by his eccentric partner and boss, Blue Scorpion. We also take a look at James, an Asian superhero with a vast amount of powers, who becomes relegated to side-kick status to a much lesser superhero, Hank, due to marketability issues. Both of the Asian superheroes in these stories should be revered for their amazing powers and heroic attributes but instead they are pushed off as secondary. By examining the different narration styles, visual aspects, stereotypical instances, and racist comments we can show why Asian superheroes are often appointed to a lower superhero ranking. The very first thing that the reader notices when reading either Blue Scorpion and Chung or James, is how the narrative is based through the Asian character in each story. In Blue Scorpion and Chung, the story begins as Chung is shown listening to Blue Scorpion on a drunken rant about their upcoming drug bust. Chung simply sits and listens to Blue Scorpion, all the while assessing the situation. By not saying anything for the first scene, it gives the story the feeling that Chung is quiet yet intrinsically thinking about the situation. As the story moves along, we are given more information about Chung’s past with the Blue Scorpion and why he continues to serve under him. By way of flashbacks, we see that Chung has made a challenging decision to leave his significant other for the greater good. Chung realizes that even if he doesn’t get the glory for protecting the innocent, he should still do it to protect the innocent. Blue Scorpion is nothing without Chung and it is for justice, not glory. In James, we see a similar situation of narration through
As Am 560
10/5/12
Option 2
Through racism and stereotypes, we examine how Asian-American superheroes are often relegated to a secondary or “side-kick” status in modern comic books. In “Blue Scorpion and Chung,” we take a look at Chung, an Asian-American chauffeur whose advanced combat skills and athleticism are dwarfed by his eccentric partner and boss, Blue Scorpion. We also take a look at James, an Asian superhero with a vast amount of powers, who becomes relegated to side-kick status to a much lesser superhero, Hank, due to marketability issues. Both of the Asian superheroes in these stories should be revered for their amazing powers and heroic attributes but instead they are pushed off as secondary. By examining the different narration styles, visual aspects, stereotypical instances, and racist comments we can show why Asian superheroes are often appointed to a lower superhero ranking. The very first thing that the reader notices when reading either Blue Scorpion and Chung or James, is how the narrative is based through the Asian character in each story. In Blue Scorpion and Chung, the story begins as Chung is shown listening to Blue Scorpion on a drunken rant about their upcoming drug bust. Chung simply sits and listens to Blue Scorpion, all the while assessing the situation. By not saying anything for the first scene, it gives the story the feeling that Chung is quiet yet intrinsically thinking about the situation. As the story moves along, we are given more information about Chung’s past with the Blue Scorpion and why he continues to serve under him. By way of flashbacks, we see that Chung has made a challenging decision to leave his significant other for the greater good. Chung realizes that even if he doesn’t get the glory for protecting the innocent, he should still do it to protect the innocent. Blue Scorpion is nothing without Chung and it is for justice, not glory. In James, we see a similar situation of narration through