Indian Comics Irregular #53

A story in CLASSIC X-MEN #3 (1986) recounts John "Thunderbird"
Proudstar's funeral. For this occasion, writer Chris Claremont
presents the following characters' thoughts:

Cyclops: "Sooner or later it happens to all of us in this business."

Professor X: "Such mad luck could not last forever and John
Proudstar was the first to fall."

Huh? Sooner or later WHAT happens to all of them? Suicide?!

As UNCANNY X-MEN #95 shows, Thunderbird didn't have rotten luck.
Though the danger was past, T-Bird intentionally stayed aboard a
plummeting plane. He spurned another hero's help and several pleas
to save himself. He didn't get killed in an accident or in the line
of duty, he CHOSE to die.

This story reflects yet another stereotype, one inherent in most
comics. Heroes are big, strong people who never fail. They don't
think negatively, feel despair, or give up. To do so violates the
superhero creed.

Cyclops and Professor X--and the creators who crafted their
thoughts--couldn't bring themselves to acknowledge Thunderbird's
act. Wolverine was the only X-Man to even partly concede the truth.
"I know what happened to your body, Johnny," he said. "But not why
you CHOSE to check out." Choosing to check out is a euphemism for
committing suicide.

Thunderbird couldn't admit he felt depressed or worthless--as he
clearly did in the two stories mentioned. He certainly couldn't seek
someone's help, much less professional care. In comics, being
"weak"--which is what most of us think of people who are suicidal or
mentally ill--brands you as an outsider far more than being a mutant
does.

An extra demerit to CLASSIC X-MEN for depicting John's brother James
in a faux headband and loincloth. Here's a hint: Most Indians go to
funerals fully clothed these days. Our Apache advisor Lorenzo Baca
says this scene sounds "Hollywood-y" to him and wonders if it was a
joke. No, it was an all-too-serious attempt to portray a "warrior's
funeral."

The discussion of Thunderbird and his stereotypical death continues
at http://www.bluecorncomics.com/tbirdxm.htm.

Off-Balance on the Tube

In the commendable TV show "Once and Again" (1/10/01), the Rick
Sammler character suddenly says "koyaaniqatsi" to his girlfriend
Lily. "Koyaaniqatsi" is a Hopi word meaning "life out of balance."
A noteworthy 1983 movie shares the name and feeling.

Rick's use of the word is debatable. The problems he and Lily
faced--a false pregnancy, a rebellious teenager--weren't
overwhelming. And Rick hadn't evinced interest in Native culture--in
ANY culture deeper than basketball--before.

But the point is worth remembering. Modern life is unbalanced in all
too many ways. In fact, "koyaaniqatsi" could be the theme-word of
PEACE PARTY. It suggests how our harsh, dog-eat-dog world needs more
peace and harmony.

Quote of the Day

Hala Sarhan, the "Oprah" of Egypt, recently called the United States
"the dream and the nightmare, the judge and the executioner." That
about sums it up, all right. For more on what makes America an
exceptional place, visit http://www.bluecorncomics.com/xception.htm.

Overinflated Opinion

PEACE PARTY received perhaps the most egregious review ever
recently. Comic book scholar A. David Lewis had the temerity to
compare me to creative geniuses Stan Lee and Mort Weisinger. Very
flattering, David, but not quite.

To read this and other reviews, go to
http://www.bluecornomics.com/reviews.htm.

Rob Schmidt
Blue Corn Comics