Why not The Walking Dead?
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Presentation at the 2013 NCOMICON, Durham, NC discussing the possibilities that main stream comic books may offer for closer reading.
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Editor's Notes
- - Looking at the merit of popular comics Mainstream/commercially successful comics Issues/assumptions around popular/mainstream/corporate vs indie/artsy – moving past relevance/trendiness/coolness to meaningfulness/timelessness/historical value How pulps can convey meanings beyond those of the superficial/obvious
- We are starting with Superman because the comic is the definition of pulp, first superhero, insanely popular in heyday, Superman is the benchmark for superheroes. Blending in/ Standing out – common theme in literature about fear of alienation, but need to be an individual typically the problem solver. Also the immigrant tale of The American Dream seeking/becoming the American ideal. Character created by Jewish men in an overwhelmingly Christian society intended to embody Christian values of service, charity, peace, yet not labeled Christian explicitly. Complexity of Jewish reality of times. Nature vs. Nurture – Alien from another planet with incredible powers, but raised in Smallville, Kansas as a farm boy. RED SON good foil that puts idea in perspective. The Big Stick Ideology – Theodore Roosevlt – “Speak softly and carry a big stick”. Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Zod – brawn vs. intellect Superman (and other heroes such as Captain America) as symbolic of tradition and contemporary simultaneously.
- -Dynamic Storytelling & Dynamic Art – Telling a story with cartooning. Revolution in art, Jack Kirby stylized art, Ditko, Infantino, Steranko later. Layout, rendering used to convey narrative aspects, emotional aspects, instead of just objects conveying words. When artisits started to input their own sense of storytelling. -Realistic Characters – Not godlike, more relatable, ex – Spider-man. They have weaknesses and personal lives. -Character Motivation – Fantastic Four gets powers decide to be superheroes vs. outcast. Spider-man again (Great Power, Great Responsibility). Captain America – soldier. Began to explore the human condition in more grounded ways that connected with the reader.
- Spider-man like many heroes finds his origin in tragedy, a common origin in western literature – ex. Shakespeare’s work (Hamlet) and Greek Mythology, but the interesting thing is he was already being “spider-man” but using it for fame and monetary gain. His selfish action of allowing the burglar to flee snaps his life back into reality. His stories during this period are metaphors for the struggles teens go through trying to find a balance between independence/individuality and the responsibilities of encroaching adulthood.
- Another example of a real world struggle that is a timeless theme.
- THIS IS WHERE SHIT GETS REAL! - Social issues: Race relations Drug use Cults Corporate greed Pollution Alcoholism Authority/Defiance Nature of crime Multiple Opinions – two main characters provides multiple perspectives Moral “grey areas” The job of a super hero/citizens/politicians/business/etc. – what responsibilities lie where?
- Recurring Themes and Motifs - Aging vs. maturing - value to society? Less need to conform, rejection of norming - Over definition of character - Reinforcement of identity – actual identity not their secret identity – shedding masks - The role of heroes – antihero issues to forefront – Superman not a hero follows rules and maintain orders – Batman rebellious/violent/chaotic - Background/ setting – weather as metaphor - Role of media
- Character roles team/ family, each individual has a role Enemies and self definition. “Good” mutants, “evil” mutants, switching sides. Magneto once led team, Cyclops is now Magneto etc Being bad for good reasons Racial Tensions, prejudice, diversity, and sub cultures Mutants outcasts, GSX team, Easily the most (and best!) female characters Concept of home, safety/ Constant state of threat. Sense of belonging and family Xavier Mansion/ Utopia/ Astroid M/ Genosha
- Doc Ock is the hero in his own mind Personal vendetta and proving oneself (to oneself and to society) Self worth and locus of control One's own legacy, mortality, and lasting effect New perspective on self Using everything available, perseverance, finding a way Balancing superhero life with other aspects of life Pride vs. Love
- Intense Survival Situations, bring out true nature of humanity Caring Helpful Cowardly Conformist Heroic Violent Selfish Different reactions to the apocalypse/ zombies (Cannibals, Suicide, Governor, Neagan, Rick’s group) Actions, intent, appearance, and hypocrisy, concealment of true identity (Rick, Abraham, Michonne, Ezekiel, Eugene) Leadership and group dynamics- almost everybody ends up part of a group, practical and social, how leaders emerge Game theory and social necessity- Doing what’s best for the group is best for the individual Artistry and tone, black and white, very dark, lots of shadows- chiaroscuro Development of new identity and loss of identity/ fear of loss of identity Fear of outsiders and group identity, xenophobia and social anxiety Questions of leadership Fatherhood
- From family man to hobo with a shotgun! Fundamentally The Walking Dead is about characters and characterization that is why it resonates with so many people and has for so long in all mediums. It also helps that it occasionally has zombies in it. The title alludes to as much.