I believe that Gene Luen Yang and Sonny Liew’s graphic novel, The Shadow Hero, is an attempt to challenge Asian American stereotypes. Some Asian stereotypes that this novel addresses include: that Asians insist children get perfect grades and continue their education to be doctors or engineers, Asian women are quiet and passive, and more.
One example of this is Hank’s ultimate desire. Hank does not want ultimate power, riches, and prestige. He is content working in his father’s shop. He is not in school with straight A’s studying to become a doctor or an engineer. He tells his father “I want to be here, working in the store. With you” (26). When he is offered the opportunity to become a leader of the Tongs by Red Center, he declines (150). He is not focused on wealth and power, but rather what makes him happy. He enjoys his father’s shop, so that is where he stays.
Red Center also strays from the stereotype that Asian women are passive and peaceful. When she is threatening she successfully fights back (44). She proves time and time again that she is strong and powerful herself and not passive nor submissive. On page 114 she tells Hank that she and her sisters took down some of their best, most powerful men. Red Center is a force to be reckoned with.
Another thing to notice is that when the Green Turtle is wearing his mask, people don’t know he is Asian. It is a stereotype that American superheroes are white. When the Green Turtle brings the Ten Grand imposter to Detective Lawful, the officer begins to criticize and stereotype all Asians until he realizes Hank is Asian too. He says: “I just assumed… with the costume…” (118). Another time something like this happens is when Ten Grand assumes the Green Turtle is Caucasian. “That gwai lo (Cantonese term for white person) superhero invaded my home… So then he’s a… Chinese Superhero?” (114).
While the book works to contradict many Asian stereotypes, it also makes sure the reader knows they exist. Throughout the book, Asian Americans are referred to as “Dumb chink(s)” (62), “sneaky slant-eyed bastards” (118), etc. The Shadow Hero addresses just a few of the Asian American stereotypes that are present in many people’s minds.
