Chiseled Abs & Strapping Arms

Originally a GIF from Deviantart.com

At the age of 16, who really has chiseled abs and strapping arms? I’ll let you who, Artemis Crock and Wally West, or better known as Artemis and Kid Flash (from the T.V. series YoungJustice).  Which just goes to show that even in children’s cartoons, superheroes, teen superheroes, are still held to the standard of the perfect superhero physique. But before I go on to analyze the characters themselves, let’s take a look at the background.

Even though it’s a dark background, and the dark suits on the dark background don’t mix well together, this image still does not bring the viewer fear. One reason being is because Kid Flash and Artemis are very linear and vertical, and in “Picture This” Molly Bang explains to us the vertical shapes are exciting because the are defying the earth’s gravity and reaching towards the heavens literally. Another reason why this isn’t a frightening background is because who really focused on the background? Kid Flash and Artemis are in the center and that draws our attention because “It is the point of the greatest attraction.” To add on to that, the only part of the background that does draw our attention is the curve of the earth that, and “curved shapes embrace us and protect us.” With a background like this, it is easier to focus on the flawless shapes of our heroes.

            Just look at Wally West, even in his camouflage Kid Flash suit; his bulging adolescent muscles are still defined. Kid Flash’s shoulders and abs are pointed with sharp straight lines; however, according to Molly Bang, “We feel more scared looking at pointed shapes…” So why don’t we feel scared looking at Kid Flash? I’ll let you why, because he’s the center of attention, along with the beautiful Artemis. Even without his iconic yellow and red, we still feel safe with him because we still know it’s the same Wally West from his ginger hair and his cream skin. And on his cream skin is his adoring smirk and eager eyes all caused by one thing, and no it’s the earth in the background, it’s his leading lady Artemis. Artemis is no exception from the superhero body standard. Her toned, sharp abs and slim, muscular arms are very unrealistic features for an average 16 year old. So I pose the same question, why aren’t we scared of Artemis linear shape and dark suit? Because this is what we’re used to. If you’ve seen the Young Justice series, then you’d know this is Artemis in her norm and this is the Artemis we’ve grown to love.