TRANSFORMATION OF THE HERO’S IMAGE IN UKRAINIAN COMICS

Abstract

The article examines the transformation of the hero archetype in Ukrainian comics in the context of cultural, historical, and social changes. The evolution of the heroic image from the traditional Cossack-character to the contemporary image of a warrior shaped by recent historical events, particularly the Russian-Ukrainian war, is analyzed. It is determined that at the early stages of Ukrainian comic development, the hero’s image was largely influenced by the Western superhero tradition, but gradually transformed into a documentary-like portrayal of a modern 21st-century warrior-defender. Special attention is given to the analysis of key works of Cossack-themed comics, including Buiviter, Daohopak, Maksym Osa, as well as comics dedicated to war events – Zvytyaha. Saur-Mohyla, Cyborgs, and Dira. It is established that in contemporary comics there is a shift from idealized and mythologized depictions of heroes to more realistic, psychologically complex characters who represent not only individual but also collective experiences of wartime events. The results of the study indicate that the transformation of the hero’s image in Ukrainian comics is a complex process combining traditional values with contemporary realities, reflecting the overall dynamics of national identity formation and a new model of heroism. The article emphasizes the significance of Ukrainian comics as a cultural phenomenon that represents collective memory, actualizes historical events, and inspires artistic reflection on the modern concept of “hero,” while simultaneously stimulating discussion on the role of comics in shaping national and cultural consciousness in contemporary Ukrainian society.