Indian Comics Irregular #129

A bumper crop of Native-themed comics has appeared on the shelves
recently. Let's see how the entries fare in this month's roundup.

The Good

You've heard of graphic novels, I'm sure. Graphic nonfiction is the same idea:
telling stories with sequential art. But in this case the subject matter is
historical, not fictional.

A new work of graphic nonfiction proves the power of the medium.
Released in February, "Sitting Bull: The Life of a Lakota Sioux
Chief" is one of several illustrated biographies from Rosen
Publishing. It's a compelling account of the famous leader's life.

The story is bright with colors (yellow predominates), rich with
details, and historically accurate, as far as I can tell. The volume
is hardbound for libraries and it looks and feels substantial. It
includes National Geographic-style text pages, a glossary, and a list
of sources for more information.

As the (slightly stereotypical) cover indicates, the story is full of
action. It features a fair amount of shooting, killing, and scalping
by Indians and white men alike. It's not "politically correct," as
they say, and it probably would earn a PG-13 rating as a movie. But
the blood 'n' guts may encourage kids to pick up the book and read it.

About the only problem is that sometimes it's hard to keep track of
the various Indians and tribes--but that's a problem with history,
not with this book. "Sitting Bull" is "a true and faithful telling of
his story," wrote one critic, who gave it four of five stars.
That's about as good as biographies get.

"Sitting Bull" goes straight onto my list of recommended comics at
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/nacomics.htm . It's available from the publisher
at http://www.rosenpublishing.com .

The Bad

A new comic called GUNPOWDER GIRL AND THE OUTLAW SQUAW premiered in
June. "Action-packed with gorgeous art, this 7.2" x 10" OGN [original
graphic novel] is printed in beautiful sepia tones," according to a
press release. A website describes its premise:

In the Old West, circumstances created by men drive two women to
the wrong side of the law. On the run from a marshal and his
posse, these women from different worlds must put aside their
differences if they are to survive and build new lives! Old-West
action, as you like it!

My conclusion: The Outlaw Squaw appears to be a strong character who
thinks and acts independently but has no connection to any real tribe
or culture. For other Indians of this type, see the first appearances
of Tonto, Turok, Wyatt Wingfoot, Red Wolf, Thunderbird, et al.

For more thoughts on this comic, go to
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/gunsquaw.htm .

The Ugly

DEAD WEST, the first offering from Gigantic Graphic Novels, debuted in
July. A website provides its plot:

During the westward expansion, a small Indian village is wiped out
to make way for the settlement town of Lazarus. Years later, a
single surviving Indian child returns as a grown man to enact his
revenge. He places an ancient curse on the town in which the dead
rise from their graves to prey upon the living.

Stereotypes, anyone? 'Nuff said about DEAD WEST.

Speaking of deceased Indians, I've posted an analysis of why Indian
burial grounds show up so often in fiction. Check it out at
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/burial.htm .

Rob Schmidt
Blue Corn Comics