The EC comic I focused on this week was Cowboy Western. These comics were very focused on masculinity and violence, the stereotypes of the Wild West. Filled with violence, we see multiple storylines in which each main character is either a criminal, or someone chasing criminals. I assume these comics would appeal primarily to pre-teen boys, as westerns were a popular TV genre at the time, and reinforced their toxic views of what it is to be "masculine". The main characters were all white men, all killed without remorse, and their only real flaws were that they were so masculine, it scared the background characters. That said, they never stayed in one place long, and rarely had a sidekick. These comics could be improved through allowing the male characters to exhibit emotions aside from anger and lust, which in turn would flesh them out more and probably would have increased sales. It is no secret that real cowboys were often black or Native American, and often times gay. While obviously EC would never release a comic with characters like this at the time, I believe if they were to come back and produce Cowboy Western comics again, they could greatly benefit from diversity.

While I haven't read Stand Still, Stay Silent, I have read the previous comic the author worked on, A Redtail's Dream. Like the former comic, A Redtail's Dream is about Nordic myths and legends. Puppyfox, a young fox god, accidentally freezes time in a small Nordic town while his family is in a meeting with the other gods. He employs a teenage boy and his pet dog to fix his mistakes by traveling through alternate dimensions and seeking the help of various gods and goddesses. Puppyfox is eventually found out by his parents, who turn him mortal temporarily to allow the boy and his dog to hunt him down and shoot him with an arrow, before bringing him back and grounding him. This webcomic greatly inspired me to begin creating digital art, and I highly recommend it.

I read Black Panther for Reconsidering the Superhero. What intrigues me about T'challa more than the other Marvel superheroes is that being the Black Panther is a position in Wakanda, not something that he was born with. He inherited the position from his late father, and his powers come from the ancestors of Wakanda. He is intrinsically connected with his land and people, and is given his powers to protect them. Someone like Hulk or Thor was simply born with or imbued on accident with superpowers, and, while they protect their homes, they didn't do anything to earn their powers or have any reason other than the fact they aren't immoral keep them from doing good instead of harm.

I read Fun Home for Women's Comics. It was certainly interesting, and used a limited palette of black, white, and blue. The title in particular felt very clever, as it's ironic considering the author's harsh home life, and the fact it was meant to be "funeral home" shortened, tying in with how her father both worked for a funeral home and committed suicide. I thought the way it followed the both the author and her father's struggles with their homosexuality was very touching, especially as it showed one side of her father pushing it away, and herself trying to embrace it. You can see both ends of the spectrum, and can't help but wonder what her father would have been like had he let himself be who he is.

I read Asterios Polyp, which immediately grabbed my attention for its limited palette and the fact that it is told from the perspective of the main character's stillborn twin. I enjoyed the slice of life feel to the story, as well as the expression of abstract ideas through its unique art style. While the main character has a quite average life, the story is never boring. I thought the metaphorical symbols were interesting, and wish more stories would push the visuals and storytelling aspects into weird territory.

I read Tezuka's Unico, which I have read in the past multiple times. Unico follows a young unicorn who is cursed to be alone, and whenever he makes friends, he finds himself quickly whisked away by the West Wind and his memories erased. I think these stories can resonate especially with children suffering depression and loneliness. They see Unico do all he can do be kind and loving, but can never stay for long with those who love him. On the other hand, when given love, Unico can transform into a full grown unicorn with wings, and gains strong magical abilities. This sends the message that through love and teamwork, children can be strong and protect their loved ones.

What is your reaction to the text you just read?

A bit murky at times in terms of making out what was going on, but overall well written. Batman and the Joker are portrayed in a very human light, and the audience is made to understand, but not sympathize, with the Joker’s actions. His memories of his failing career as a comedian, tied with losing his wife and unborn child, are juxtaposed with his heinous treatment in the present.

What connections did you make with the story that you read? Discuss the elements of the work with which you were able to connect.

While I understood the Joker’s feelings of being fed up with society and wanting to strike back, I emphasized more with Batman in that understanding that even when the universe does you dirty, you have no right to lash out and hurt others. It is better to try and heal from your past than let resentment and hatred fester. This is the key difference between the Joker and Batman.

What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?

The most logical course of action would be to adapt the story into an animated TV episode or animated movie. Assuming we would go with an episode, some elements, such as the pictures of Barbara naked and the Commissioner naked/in leather lingerie would need to be censored in order to actually be aired, as adult cartoons typically still have to be PG-13. The violence may also need to be dialed back a smidge, but not as much as the nudity.