Science fiction parody in Don Rosa’s ”Attack of the Hideous Space-Varmints"
Kontturi, K. (2016). Science fiction parody in Don Rosa’s ”Attack of the Hideous Space-Varmints". Fafnir : Nordic Journal of Science Fiction and Fantasy Research, 3 (4), 52-64. Retrieved from http://journal.finfar.org/articles/792.pdf
Authors
Date
2016Discipline
Nykykulttuurin tutkimusCopyright
© Kontturi & FINFAR Society, 2016.
This article concentrates on the comic “Attack of the Hideous Space
Varmints” (1997) by Disney artist Don Rosa. The comic deals with Earthlings who
invade the territory of one-eyed aliens. The aim is to study Rosa’s comic from a
parodic perspective: how Rosa uses science fiction tropes characteristic to the
1950s cinema and comics and ridicules them. My methods consist of close reading
followed by formalist comic analysis. While doing so, I also utilize the concept of
metalepsis. The analysis will be supported by theoretical works on science fiction
and the postmodern view of parody. One important source is Kimmo Ahonen’s
recent doctoral dissertation concerning invasion films that offers background
material concerning the societal conditions and the era in the United States that
Rosa utilizes in his comic – the 1950s.
The article offers a new perspective on how funny animal comics as a
narrative form can discuss the themes of invasion and “the Other”, and present
them both in a parodic manner. The aim of the article is also to suggest that the
whole subgenre of Disney comics should be more comprehensively introduced to
the field of comics studies as a serious research topic.
...


Publisher
FINFAR SocietyISSN Search the Publication Forum
2342-2009