The idea of masculinity has always been predominant in comic books. Many associate with attributes like aggression, toughness and self-confidence, and often-in comics; men are epitomes of masculinity. Alan Klein argues, “Comic book depictions of masculinity are so obviously exaggerated that they represent fiction twice over, as genre and as gender representation" (Klein, 267).(Klein, 267) This serves as a critique of masculinity, which is challenged in Flex Montallo, which is a comic book that focuses on the problem of the idea of masculinity. Through the stereotypical ideas of masculinity presented in the comic book ad, and Wale’s later idea of Flex’s character, Flex Montallo challenges the mistaken, conventional notions of masculinity
Flex…show more content… This contradicts what the normative idea of masculinity presents, for even by inhabiting these qualities, Flex still defines the notion of being masculine. This is shown throughout his relationship with Wale, his creator, especially in his confrontation with him in the third book in the dark ages when Wale tells Flex, “Look at you! A half-naked muscleman in trunks. What’s what supposed to signify? What are you? Do you know what you are?” Aggression and toughness are qualities more inhabited by Wale, but he is the opposite of defining the term masculine for he identifies with more of the qualities of being a geek. Not all superhero’s need to be angry and aggressive to be able to be masculine. Some have a happy nature, and that is what Flex inhabits, a happy and sincere nature. He even tells Wale, “Sure, I’m a superhero. Being clever’s a fine thing, but sometimes a boy just needs to get out of the house and meet some girls.” This shows that being smart and having these qualities is a good thing, but they don’t make you masculine, and don’t identify with the notion of