Modernism, an influential cultural

which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a radical cultural and intellectual
movement that sought to break away from traditional forms of art, literature, and social
organization. It was fueled by rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and significant
historical events such as World War I and II, which deeply influenced artists and writers to question
established norms and explore new forms of expression. Rejecting realism and conventional
storytelling, modernist creators experimented with fragmented narratives, stream-of-
consciousness techniques, and abstract visuals to reflect the complexities of the modern world.

Its impact on popular culture is profound and far-reaching, influencing various artistic and
entertainment mediums, including movies, graphic novels, and comics. Through these mediums,
modernist themes such as existentialism, alienation, the questioning of authority, and the
deconstruction of traditional heroism continue to shape contemporary storytelling. From avant-
garde cinema to subversive comic book narratives, modernism’s legacy remains evident in works
that challenge conventions and encourage audiences to engage critically with art and society.

Movies:

In cinema, modernist principles have led to narratives that challenge conventional storytelling, often
presenting fragmented timelines and complex characters. Films like "Watchmen" (2009), directed by
Zack Snyder, exemplify this approach. Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons,
"Watchmen" deconstructs the superhero genre, presenting flawed protagonists and a nonlinear
narrative that reflects modernist themes of ambiguity and moral complexity.

Graphic Novels:

Graphic novels have embraced modernist techniques by exploring sophisticated themes and
employing innovative visual styles. Alan Moore's "Watchmen" is a seminal work in this regard,
utilizing a complex narrative structure and addressing themes of power, identity, and societal decay.
The graphic novel's intricate design and storytelling reflect modernist concerns with form and
content, challenging readers to engage deeply with the text.

Comics:

In the realm of comics, modernism has influenced the portrayal of superheroes, presenting them as
multifaceted beings rather than idealized figures. "The Boys," a comic series by Garth Ennis and
Darick Robertson, serves as a critical examination of the superhero archetype. The series portrays
superheroes as morally ambiguous and often corrupt, exploring themes of power, celebrity, and
corporate manipulation. This subversive take aligns with modernist tendencies to question
established norms and present a more nuanced view of heroism.

according to grimdarkmagazine.com

"The Boys" has also been adapted into a television series, which continues to reflect modern societal
issues through its dark satire and complex characterizations. The show delves into contemporary
themes such as political corruption, media influence, and the moral ambiguities of power, resonating
with modernist explorations of societal structures and human nature.
-The evolution of the superhero genre :
The superhero genre has evolved from ancient mythology and folklore into a dominant cultural force
in modern media. Mythological heroes such as Heracles, Thor, and Sundiata served as early
archetypes of heroism, embodying strength, courage, and justice. The concept of the masked
vigilante, central to the superhero identity, emerged in early pulp fiction with characters like Zorro
and The Scarlet Pimpernel, who fought injustice while maintaining secret identities.

The emergence of comic books in the 1930s marked a turning point, with figures such as Hugo
Hercules, The Phantom, and The Shadow laying the groundwork for the genre. However, it was the
introduction of Superman in 1938 that redefined superheroes, establishing core tropes such as the
secret identity, extraordinary abilities, and a commitment to justice. Superman’s success inspired a
wave of superhero creations, solidifying the genre’s mainstream presence.

The 1960s saw a shift with Marvel Comics introducing more complex, character-driven narratives.
Figures like Spider-Man and the X-Men were depicted with personal struggles, moral dilemmas, and
social relevance, reflecting contemporary societal issues. This approach distinguished Marvel’s
storytelling from the earlier, more formulaic narratives of superhero fiction.

Despite its popularity, the genre has faced criticism. Some argue that it presents a simplistic view of
morality, reinforcing binary distinctions between good and evil, while others see it as a vehicle for
deeper social commentary. Additionally, concerns have been raised about its reliance on spectacle
over nuanced storytelling. Nevertheless, superheroes remain culturally significant, often regarded as
modern mythological figures.

Beyond entertainment, superheroes serve as sources of inspiration, particularly in sports, where

athletes identify with their attributes of strength, perseverance, and resilience. Figures such as Usain
Bolt have drawn comparisons to fictional heroes like The Flash, illustrating the genre’s impact beyond
fiction.

The interconnected storytelling of superhero universes mirrors ancient mythological traditions, where
deities engaged in complex relationships and shared narratives. This shared universe model fosters
continuity and immersion, further reinforcing the mythic appeal of superhero fiction.

As the genre continues to evolve, increased diversity and representation reflect shifting cultural
landscapes. Characters of different races, genders, and sexual orientations have gained prominence,
highlighting the genre’s responsiveness to societal change. Despite periodic criticisms, the enduring
popularity of superheroes suggests their continued relevance as symbols of justice, resilience, and
cultural ideals in an ever-changing world.

- Existing Scholarship on The Boys

Scholarship on The Boys often explores its postmodernist deconstruction of the superhero genre,
challenging conventional notions of heroism, power, and morality. Paula Smolić’s undergraduate
thesis, Superhero Deconstruction on the Example of the TV Series The Boys, employs
deconstructionist theory, drawing from Derrida, to analyze how the show subverts traditional
superhero archetypes. She highlights how The Boys dismantles the binary opposition between hero
and villain, revealing that characters who embody the superhero ideal are, in fact, morally corrupt
figures driven by corporate and nationalist agendas. Conversely, powerless vigilantes emerge as the
true agents of justice, though they too engage in morally ambiguous actions.
Smolić situates this analysis within postmodern discourse, particularly emphasizing the relativity of
truth and the instability of meaning—key postmodernist tenets. She argues that The Boys functions
as a critique of contemporary celebrity culture, corporate dominance, and media-driven hero
worship, paralleling real-world dynamics where public figures are idealized despite their hidden
transgressions. Through the deconstruction of classic superhero prototypes, the show undermines
traditional heroic myths, aligning with Barthesian notions of myth as ideological constructs that
obscure reality.

While existing research predominantly interprets The Boys through postmodernist and satirical
lenses, my study extends this discussion by situating the series within a modernist framework. Unlike
postmodernism’s emphasis on fragmentation and relativism, modernist narratives often explore the
existential crises of individuals grappling with disillusionment. The Boys, despite its overtly
postmodern critique, also engages with modernist themes of alienation, loss of faith in institutions,
and the psychological depth of its characters. By shifting the focus from deconstruction to modernist
storytelling techniques, this research reveals The Boys as not merely a postmodern subversion of
superhero tropes but also a modernist exploration of moral ambiguity and the disintegration of
idealistic worldviews.

The previous study mentioned : https://zir.nsk.hr/islandora/object/unizd:7587