Indian Comics Irregular #133

The comic strip "For Better or Worse" has always been a leader in
portraying indigenous people authentically. Nevertheless, creator Lynn Johnston
outdid herself with a powwow sequence last September and October. The strips
depicted the rich tapestry of Native culture and costume as never before seen in
the funny pages.

Just as important, the strips displayed the usual humor and
irreverence of Indians. In one episode, the traditional
gift-giving included an iPod. In another, a fully encumbered fancy
dancer had to go to the bathroom.

More recently, "For Better or Worse" showed Elizabeth stargazing with
her tribal students and flirting with a tribal officer. Johnston
plans to finish the series soon, and it would be nice to have it end
with a wedding.

Along with Lalo Alcaraz's "La Cucaracha," "For Better or Worse" was
the best strip featuring Native people in 2005. Bringing up the rear
was "Mr. Boffo," with three entries in the Stereotype of the Month
contest (http://www.bluecorncomics.com/stertype.htm). Also earning
scorn were perennial losers "Bizarro," "Dennis the Menace," and
"Mother Goose and Grimm" as well as newcomer "Hip Shot."

Northern Humor Without Natives

Perhaps the most unusual strip of 2005 was the January 16 "Non
Sequitur." In it, a Northern native worries about global warming,
only to discover polar bears are melting his igloo with a magnifying
glass. The curious thing is that the native was a trapper type
named Pierre of the North, not a stereotypical Eskimo.

This goes to show what I've always said: that using Native people to
portray strangeness and primitiveness isn't necessary. That it's a
racist cultural artifact, not a valid artistic choice. As this strip
demonstrates, the humor works as well with an Anglo as with an aboriginal.

Hmm. Maybe "Non Sequitur" creator Wiley has been reading my critiques in the
monthly contest. Maybe he's finally getting the message. One can only hope.

You can view this and all of 2005's Native-themed comic strips at
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/nastrips.htm .

Tiki and Coyote, Super-Shamans

In September 2004, the Native Times noted a novel attempt to
cash in on the popularity of Indians and superheroes:

If a couple of Hollywood-types have their way, Tiki will someday be
as popular as the legendary Man of Steel. Producers David Skinner
and Zxelan Bonn are working on bringing Tinsletown's first ever-
Indian hero to the big screen. The idea for the plot is that by
day Tiki is the unassuming Dr. Bluewater, an Indian gaming attorney
who champions Native American issues, underdogs, and tribal
casinos. At night he turns into a mysterious shaman with mystical
powers, recruiting new apprentices for the storied path back to
nature.

The reporter made the mistake of claiming Tiki would be the "first
Indian superhero." Wrong, as I pointed out in a letter to the editor.
For the full story, go to http://www.bluecorncomics.com/tiki.htm .

In August 2005, Image Comics began reprinting the classic comic COYOTE
in trade paperback form. A website describes the title character:

Coyote is a mystic with magical powers, enhanced senses, and an
ability to dance through realities....As a child, he was orphaned
when his parents drove to the desert to watch a nuclear test. A
wild were-coyote man found and raised him with the aid of a
"psychic vampire" woman.

Coyote is a Native-LIKE trickster, but whether he has any real connection to
Indians is doubtful. For more on Coyote and his pseudo-Indian origin, visit
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/coyote.htm .

Rob Schmidt
Blue Corn Comics