ComicBookCulture

This blog is basically a place for me to blog about my readings and films for the week and also broadcast things that I find in the media. Since I will be focusing on comic book culture along with comic books, tumblr is a great place to see how that culture is thriving; from fan art pieces, to feminist essays about the role of women in Watchmen. So, if anyone ends up following this, a big part of this blog is interacting with the comic book culture so bring on the questions or the asks! Oh, and here is the link to my actual blog: whenelephantsfli.tumblr.com.

[whenelephantsfli]

'Caper' trailer: Web series sends rogue superheroes on a heist

When being a superhero doesn’t pay the bills, a crime-fighting team turns to more roguish tactics in “Caper,” a new Web series out next month. Hero Complex readers get a first look at the trailer f…

SUUUUUPER excited for this!

[whenelephantsfli]

For all of those Firefly fans! The new Serenity comic is out and Amy Dallen is here to give you the inside scoop (not only on this comic but how to build a fantastic egg rocket)!!

[jasonpetertodds]

I was the best choice.

[whenelephantsfli]

[peterquill]

[whenelephantsfli]

Batman GenderSwap: Batwoman (AKA: Bridget Wayne) Maggie Q

They told me there was nothing out there, nothing to fear. But the night my parents were murdered I caught a glimpse of something. I’ve looked for it ever since. I went around the world, searched in all the shadows. And there is something out there in the darkness, something terrifying, something that will not stop until it gets revenge… Me.

[hardfeelingsmp3]

[whenelephantsfli]

Green Arrow GenderSwap- Oliver Queen as Olivia Queen (Lyndsy Fonseca)

[mehmetozen]

Catman & Batwoman by Mehmet Ozen ( Memed )

[gameraddictions-deactivated2018]

Superman vs Batman

Injustice: Gods Among Us

[steventrevor-deactivated2024031]

some people see the revolution but most only see the girl i can lose my hard earned freedom if my fear defines my world i declare my independence from the critics and their stones i can find my revolution I can learn to stand alone  

[comicbookculture]

Blog Post # 7: American Splendor and its Role in Graphic Novel Medium

Often seen as the birthplace and residence of the superhero, comic books/ graphic novels can also be used to communicate subjects that more "in depth" as opposed to conventional writing; an example of this is the autobiography and the "mundane life". A key example of this is Harvey Pekar's American Splendor, an autobiographical narration of Pekar's life as a blue collar worker and jazz enthusiast. Essentially  what sets this story apart from others is Pekar's ability to illustrate the trauma and identity of his every-day life, a comment on the complexity of human identity, while also being entertainment. This notion of autobiographic narrative is important in understanding the reasoning behind Pekar's choice in creating a graphic novel to showcase his life as opposed to traditional narratives. 

According to Valerie Bodell, author of Comics and Autobiographical Identity, autobiography theorists believe that the author's narrative identity is separate from the their character in their book which is comprised of the author's past, present and future self. When taking into consideration the combination of the visual and textual styling of comic books there is a distinct relation between the identity, and perspective of characters in graphic novels and traditional novels. This combination of visual and textual play allows readers to better communicate with the author. Although the illustration of the narrative is less ambiguous, the combination of the two, based on art style and complexity of the details, allows readers transpose themselves into the narrative, giving them a more close relationship with the author. By having a story drawn by different artists and the careful consideration of names, Pekar was able to use various facetes of graphic novels to explore the many angles of identity.  

[roboclaws-deactivated20151001]

↳ tl;dr i love you (1/15): jessica drew

first appearance: Marvel Spotlight #32 (1977)

"I know. One last look. Goodbye, life. You were pretty good to me. Life is good and then you die. I can accept that."

[frankoceanivy]

[stephenstrvnge]

[x]

[fyeahbatwoman]

[comicbookculture]

Blog Post # 6: Key Notes on Watchmen

Notes from Watchmen Essay: Generally, the superhero genre is known for dealing with role-model characters such as Superman, but in Watchmen, author Alan Moore takes an alternative outlook at the multifaceted nature of superheroes. Moore expands on the characterization of heroes and antiheroes, opening the superhero complex up to a more contentious, psychological approach in viewing graphic novels and this is the reason why Watchmen is known as one of the most acclaimed graphic novels of all time. This revamping of the superhero can be seen though character analysis of both Dr. Manhattan and Rorschach. 

On the surface Dr. Manhattan is probably the most "superhero-like" character in the series, but in actuality, does the fact that he is the only character with actual powers amount to him being a superhero? From the very first chapter, his "God like" personality and poetic speech makes him somewhat "larger-than-life", especially when compared to the other superheroes in the story, but in order to fully answer this question, his past has to be considered.That being said, Dr. Manhattan has the ability and power to save the millions of people that were sacrificed for the possible betterment of society but does his neglect to change the future pertain to his heavy reliance on fate or his lack of will power that is apparent even in his human state?

Rorschach is obviously the exact opposite of Dr. Manhattan. As a result, Rorschach is the only member of the Watchmen who doesn't see being a superhero as an occupation. In fact, he is the only member who refuses to retire after superheroes are illegalized but as a consequence, he is seen more as an amoral vigilante who takes the law into his own hands. But Rorschach's apathy towards morals can be seen as his empathy for the truth- a darker and more realistic truth.  Fundamentally, what makes Rorschach the most "traditional" superhero within the Watchmen universe, is the fact that he is a vigilante.  By living in a world where the celebration of superheroes is of the past, it is apparent that Rorschach’s mission falls directly in line with the primary definition of superhero- to be the "champions of the oppressed" who combats "evil an injustice".  His death is what makes him the heroic figure within the Watchmen universe because he is essentially the only one who selflessly sacrifices his life for the truth.