Semiotic Analysis Of Female Activist Visual Characters In Social Media Comic Content

Abstract

Social media comics have evolved into a highly effective medium for voicing complex social issues, particularly through the representation of female activist characters within an ecofeminist context. Amid the escalating global climate crisis, visual storytelling provides a strategic platform to educate and engage the younger generation. This study aims to identify and analyze the visual archetypes of female environmental activists in digital comics. Employing a qualitative multiple-case study approach and Roland Barthes' visual semiotic analysis, this research examines two characters: Lestari from "Sobat Bumi" and Luh Ayu Manik Mas from "Luh Ayu Manik Mas". The findings reveal two distinct representational archetypes. First, the Educator Archetype (Lestari), which embodies realistic, casual activism focused on lifestyle changes. Second, the Superhero Archetype (Luh Ayu Manik Mas), which represents resilient, fantasy-based activism with high physical agency to fight against environmental destroyers. In conclusion, digital comics construct the meaning of female activism through a diverse visual spectrum, serving as a strategic communication tool that reinforces gender literacy and ecological awareness among digital audiences.