Jurnal Pembelajaran Bahasa dan Sastra
Vol. 5 No. 5 (2026): September 2026 | inprogress

The Representation of Cathexis in the Emotional Relationships of Superhero Characters in Gundala: Takdir and The Flash: Year One

Okta Diana Anggrayni (Prodi S2 Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia)
Anas Ahmadi (Prodi S2 Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia)
Octo Dendy Andriyanto (Prodi S2 Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the representation of cathexis through the emotional relationships of Sancaka in Gundala: Takdir by Oyasujiwo and Hasmi and Barry Allen in The Flash: Year One by Joshua Williamson and Howard Porter, as well as to compare the similarities and differences in their representations. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method focusing on two superhero comics, namely Gundala: Takdir and The Flash: Year One. The research data consist of dialogues, narrations, facial expressions, gestures, actions, and visual elements in comic panels that represent the characters’ emotional attachments. The research instrument is an analytical framework based on Connell’s concept of cathexis within masculinity theory and a multimodal approach to examine the relationship between verbal and visual elements. Data analysis was conducted through data selection, categorization, interpretation, and comparison based on the forms of emotional attachment represented by the characters. The findings reveal that Sancaka’s cathexis is primarily represented through family relationships, particularly his attachment to his father and mother, which appears through experiences of searching, caring, and memories of the past. Barry Allen’s cathexis is represented through his romantic relationship with Iris and emotional experiences related to family loss. The comparison demonstrates that personal relationships contribute to the construction of superhero identities, although Sancaka is more oriented toward family attachment, while Barry Allen presents broader interpersonal and familial connections.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jp

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Jurnal PEMBAHAS (Pembelajaran Bahasa dan Sastra) [p-ISSN 2809-5367][e-ISSN: 2809-6355] has the aim to develop and disseminate science and technology through scientific articles on the results of research and study of concepts or theories in an effort to enrich the scientific realm in the field of ...