The Panel Jumper Issue 011 - Hail to the Jungle Queen

Summary

This video delves into the legacy and evolution of the 'jungle queen' archetype, starting with its origins in H. Rider Haggard's 1887 novel *She*, where the character Ayesha becomes the prototype for powerful yet problematic female figures. The narrative explores how these jungle queens, including Sheena and others, embody both colonialist and feminist tensions. The script critiques the racial and gendered stereotypes inherent in these characters while questioning their potential to be seen as feminist icons. It also highlights the shift in modern portrayals, where characters like Shuri from *Black Panther* challenge and redefine the archetype.

Takeaways

• 😀 The jungle queen archetype, originating from Victorian literature, represents a powerful but problematic symbol in Western culture.
• 😀 Aisha from H. Rider Haggard's 1887 novel *She* is one of the earliest examples of the jungle queen, blending mysticism, colonialism, and gender complexities.
• 😀 The jungle queen trope was heavily influenced by colonialist fantasies, where exotic lands and strong, white female protagonists were central to stories.
• 😀 Jungle queens, including Sheena and others, often represent a paradox, simultaneously embodying colonial power and being sexually objectified.
• 😀 Despite their flawed origins, characters like Sheena were empowering to some readers, offering a symbol of strength and independence.
• 😀 The jungle queen has remained relevant in pop culture through various media adaptations, despite controversies surrounding her problematic elements.
• 😀 The female body in comics has historically been sexualized, with exaggerated physical traits that reflect broader societal sexism.
• 😀 Over time, some comic book characters, including Sheena, have been revised or reinterpreted to provide more empowering narratives for women.
• 😀 The rise of characters like T'Challa and Shuri in *Black Panther* shows how the jungle queen archetype can be adapted and reimagined to represent empowerment in different cultural contexts.
• 😀 The conversation about jungle queens is part of a larger reckoning in media regarding the representation of women, especially in the face of movements like #MeToo.
• 😀 The persistence of the jungle queen archetype highlights a collective desire to rethink and reframe gender roles in media, offering new possibilities for empowering non-conforming women in popular culture.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script?

The central theme revolves around the 'jungle queen' archetype in popular culture, exploring its historical roots, evolution, and how it intersects with issues of gender, colonialism, and feminist thought.

How does the script describe the origins of the jungle queen archetype?

The jungle queen archetype originates from Victorian-era novels, notably H. Rider Haggard's *She* (1887), where a powerful female character named Ayesha (She Who Must Be Obeyed) leads a native tribe in Africa. This character and others like her became symbolic of white colonial power and were used in pulp fiction, comics, and movies.

Why is the jungle queen considered a problematic figure?

The jungle queen is problematic due to her representation as a white, often sexually exploitative, figure who rules over indigenous people in an exoticized, stereotypical jungle setting. This archetype reinforces colonialist and imperialist ideologies.

How does the script suggest the jungle queen could be reinterpreted?

The script suggests that the jungle queen could be reinterpreted as a feminist icon by focusing on her physical, spiritual, and intellectual strength, while moving away from the stereotypes of colonialism and exploitation. There is a call to view her as a non-conforming wild woman who challenges patriarchal structures.

What is the significance of Sheena in the context of the jungle queen archetype?

Sheena is one of the most influential jungle queens, debuting in 1937. Created as a female counterpart to Tarzan, Sheena's character embodied both the physical prowess and the objectification typical of jungle queens. Despite this, Sheena was also seen as a powerful leader and a figure of conservation, which made her appealing to certain audiences.

How did the character Rima the Jungle Girl contribute to the archetype?

Rima the Jungle Girl, from W.H. Hudson's *Green Mansions* (1904), is another key figure. She represents the exotic, untamed nature of the jungle, and her character's story revolves around a man’s obsession with controlling her, reflecting both patriarchal and colonialist tendencies. Despite this, her portrayal in later comics gave her a sense of agency and independence.

What does the script say about the portrayal of women in comics during the 1960s?

In the 1960s, the portrayal of women in comics was heavily influenced by an editorial code that discouraged strong female characters and focused on their secondary roles. Women were often drawn in unrealistic ways, with exaggerated physical traits like large breasts, which contributed to the objectification of female characters.

What is the significance of the 'wild woman' archetype mentioned in the script?

The 'wild woman' archetype represents women who defy societal norms and expectations, embodying strength, independence, and non-conformity. The script highlights how this archetype is both empowering and problematic, as it reflects both the freedom and the limitations imposed on women by patriarchal society.

How does the script critique the concept of 'the jungle queen' in the modern era?

The script critiques the jungle queen by acknowledging its problematic roots in colonialism and sexual exploitation but also suggests that the archetype can be redeemed. Modern adaptations, like Shuri taking on the mantle in *Black Panther*, show how the archetype can evolve into a more nuanced, empowering symbol of strength and leadership.

What does the script suggest about the future of the jungle queen archetype in media?

The script suggests that the jungle queen archetype is evolving, with creators moving away from stereotypes and instead focusing on developing characters who celebrate physical and intellectual strength, independence, and resilience. The potential for future stories lies in challenging the archetype’s traditional constraints and expanding its representation.