Maya Johal

Be Queer Do Evil

Maya Johyal

My capstone project explores the many ways queerness and queer-coding have been implemented in villains, especially animated ones. For many years, queerness could not be explicitly displayed on screen due to a film censorship enacted in the 1930’s. This act inspired creators to display signifiers of homosexuality on villainous characters to unsettle a homophobic audience. This narrative quickly created the formula for children’s animated villains and instructed society on how queer individuals should be perceived. My project, split into two books, illustrates how the colossal company Disney is entrusted with constructing children’s morals, and their negativity surrounding queerness.

From the 'Character Guide Book' an examination on the Peter Pan villain, Captain Hook
From the 'Character Guide Book' an examination on the Peter Pan villain, Captain Hook
Jafar's character pattern page
Jafar's character pattern page
Process work of creating a short comic based around Cruella de Vil
Process work of creating a short comic based around Cruella de Vil
Part of another short comic, surrounding Maleficent
Part of another short comic, surrounding Maleficent
A spread from the 'How to Draw Villains the Queer Way' zine, showcasing how Disney queercodes male villains in their design
A spread from the 'How to Draw Villains the Queer Way' zine, showcasing how Disney queercodes male villains in their design
Cruella de Vil's character pattern page
Cruella de Vil's character pattern page

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