Yet when using preexisting characters with decades of backstory, sex abuse stories usually end up tainting someone in one way or another. It’s certainly possible to create a well-thought out story about superheroes and sexual abuse through a smaller, independent company and with original characters. Even more so when a character’s actions are largely glossed over or excused by the narrative. To no surprise, poorly written rape stories drive me up the wall. More often, sexual abuse is used as a plot device for extreme shock value, yet neither company ever properly thinks out the ramifications of using it in their stories. DC and Marvel Comics have both proven they tend to lack certain… nuances in the ways they portray rape and sex abuse. Sexual abuse and rape are topics which are difficult to talk about in any format, but it’s especially hard when it comes to discussing it through superheroes.
