Alex Rubin-Week Four: The Comic Book

Week Four: The Comic Book

Superman: The Test of a Warrior was entertaining to read because it made me realize something I would never have realized if I hadn’t been in a class about comics.  This particular comic book story stereotypes a certain group of people, but it was still interesting to read. Superman-The Test of a Warrior begins in a Daily Planet office with the focus on two white men. One of the men is getting on the other’s nerves. Next, the son of a Native American Chief named Hun-Sha appears at the Daily Planet. He asks for help from Superman to save his father from being killed. The all-male reporters reject the idea that Superman can help save his father.  The way that the Chief’s son is drawn is a rather stereotyped image of Native American people. He is wearing what some might call typical tribal clothing instead of coming into the Daily Planet office wearing what the other men are wearing.  When they are surprised to see him, one of the reporters says, “Golly-you’re a real Indian.” In addition, the head reporter says what would be considered offensive and really racist today is “You expect Superman to drop everything and run off into the wilderness to help an Indian Chief? Superman’s got plenty to do-right here in Metropolis.”  Also, in the very end of the comic strip, Hun-Sha’s son shows gratitude to the Daily Planet by giving the editor, Mr. Perry, a Native American Chief Crown of some sort.   This tribal crown gift is also rather stereotyped.

The Maestro’s Hand is a well told horror comic book story.  Its theme centers around being depressed and insane.  What makes it a good story to read is how it starts off with Dr. Hellman going to a cabin, and how the story unfolds from the package he receives to his death.  The way the frames are drawn really immersed me into the story.  I was particularly engaged by the internal voices Dr. Hellman hears as he gazes into the fire.  My other favorite frames were when it’s revealed what’s in the box.  Starting from the frame in which he opens the box to the frame with the hand around his neck builds up tension that the reader can really feel.  Last, I liked the reveal that Dr. Hellman strangled himself, and that there wasn’t really a hand walking and jumping around.  The hand is a symbol of Dr. Hellman’s suicidal feelings and him going insane.