Perancangan Novel Grafis sebagai Media Edukasi Dampak Emosi dari Toxic Masculinity

Abstract

Patriarchal culture remains deeply rooted in Indonesia, affecting not only women but also men through the construction of toxic masculinity. This phenomenon is closely linked to the condition of a “fatherless country,” where father figures are often absent either emotionally or physically. To break the cycle between toxic masculinity and the fatherless condition, this study aims to design a graphic novel as an educational medium that highlights the emotional impact of toxic masculinity. The research adopts a design thinking approach, targeting teenagers and young adults (ages 15–25) who are in the stage of developing empathy and critical thinking. The design process involved interviews with psychological experts and the distribution of questionnaires to individuals directly affected by the issue. The findings indicate that toxic masculinity can lead to psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and emotional isolation. The outcome is a graphic novel titled Armorless Knight, which uses the fantasy genre to present the issue more inclusively and to reduce the intimidating nature of the sensitive topic. Based on beta testing, all respondents stated that Armorless Knight effectively communicated the emotional impacts of toxic masculinity.

Keywords: Patriarchy, Toxic Masculinity, Mental Health, Graphic Novel