Il giustiziere e il criminale. Gli uomini mascherati del fotoromanzo nero

The essay aims to reflect on the fotoromanzo nero, a genre of Italian photonovel from the 1960s characterized by the recurring figures of masked vigilantes and criminals, and defined by pervasive themes of violence and sadism. This study selects Genius and Killing as case studies, as they represent the only structured and continuous examples attributable to the genre. Genius was published by Furio Viano Editore in 82 issues between February 1966 and January 1970, while Killing was released by Ponzoni Editore in 62 issues from March 1966 to March 1969. Specifically, the analysis will focus on the constitutive elements underlying the portrayal of the masked figure. It will explore two themes traditionally associated with the character – reproducibility and violence – and how the photonovel reimagines them. Following an introductory overview of the historical development of the fotoromanzo nero, the first section will address the theme of reproducibility. While earlier representations emphasized the iterative nature of the masked figure, the photonovel reconfigures the protagonist’s centrality, often overshadowed by his female counterparts. The second section will examine the theme of violence, represented through new characterisations. In this context, the sadistic element is interwoven with emerging expressions of eroticism, resulting in a displacement of focus from the perpetrator to the victim.