Nov. 9 “Pretty Deadly” by Kelly Sue DeConnick

     Reading the first part of "Pretty Deadly" by Kelly Sue DeConnick received from me, at first, a very confused reaction. I honestly have no idea what the bunny, butterfly, and little girl have to do with the story, but later it got pretty interesting and a little dark. Given more of the context of the story, it made me more curious, scared, and excited to see what would happen next. Especially as we are introduced to Death's daughter and her story and her mother's story, I started to become more intrigued. Even though it seems dark at times, with the choice of colors and slightly "gory" action, I was shocked to find out slowly who this "death" girl is and I just had the inner feeling to keep reading. Regarding how the women are portrayed is very strong. Seeing them as strong, powerful and intimidating human beings is something many people like me want to see more often in comics, television, etc. It made me feel and react in a way, which I felt more dignified, recognized, and more proud to see a woman portrayed in this more immensely riveting sight.

     The connections I made with this story were not all personal. Though in a sense you could consider the connection to be more visual and emotional. The connection I made with the story was more in relation to feeling some of the same emotions the trapped girl was going through in the tower. Being forced to stay in a far away tower, just because her current "lover" wants to keep her safe and everlastingly beautiful, is just outrageous. Against her will really, the said mother of death's daughter accepts her fate. She starts to become emotionally unstable and is deprived of any physical interaction with other human beings. Personally, for me, I can understand how those are some really important things for anyone to have, not specifically women in general. Human interaction, over a long period time and without it, becomes something humans desperately need. I would if in this situation, would become restless after a while, scared, and probably break down crying. Having no one to comfort, talk or reassure me everything is going to be alright I would lose all sense of hope.

     The changes I would make to adapt to this story a bit more would be more in the medium of maybe an anime or regular TV show. Viewing this more on screen would really capture the feeling of intensity, thrill, and swift, dark action of the plot. Adding voices and sound effects mainly will help to emphasize the emotions that the story is trying to get from the audience. I would be able to hear how deep these emotions need to be felt, and how serious that scene will affect the future or how it has greatly affected the past.

Oct. 26 “Buddha” by Osamu Tezuka

     "Buddha" by Osamu Tezuka is very focused on the long journey of Siddhartha, and enlightenment. Many other things are discussed and added as well that really give the story a humorous concept. Buddhism, as I know, holds the fact that, for its followers, that life is full of suffering caused by desire and that the only way to end this suffering is is through enlightenment, which enables one to halt the endless sequence of births and deaths. This comic presents a world strictly on this law but as well creates a fictional and realistic world. Not being Buddhist, I have very limited knowledge of this concept. Whatever the author's intentions, some parts of the story become highly formal in respect for Buddhism and some not. The author does seem to think very highly of Buddha and his teachings but continuously throws out jokes that play on his teachings and his life, to make it more enjoyable. For example, referring to the scene where the young, gifted boy Tatta, turns into a tiger to save Chapra's mother, at one moment becomes a serious and terrifying moment, but then becomes slightly humorous one when we see Tatta smiling happily as he returns Chapra's mother back to him safely. It tends to poke some fun here and there of the concept of Buddhism which I think even Buddhist followers would find undoubtedly funny. Mixing faith and fantasy, and adding these wonderful and quirky characters, adds to the religious story an interesting, funny and still serious, tale of the journey of enlightenment.

Oct. 19 “The Nikopol Trilogy” by Enki Bilal

     The Nikopol Trilogy was honestly to say very interesting. Although my understanding of it is limited the comic tends to really focus on the concept of humanity and chaos in the midst of finding peace in a dystopian earth.  We see humanity, through the story and images, as a new generation of people who are hopeless, full of despair, and, see all this chaos as normal. Referring back to a quote, said by the god, Horus, he says, “I want to make peace with humans but they are too small-minded...you don’t live long enough to retain or realize the value of what is really important.” Reading that specific phrase really slapped me in the face. We human beings take so many things for granted, and we try our best to ignore the fact that our time is limited and some things are out of our control. Even individuals who are set on a high throne of “worshipped authority” do not seem to have it all together. Even in all the order of chaos this dystopian world represents, everyone seems to be worried knowing they are able to help but are afraid of the outcomes. They decided to completely ignore the option that the community and our community in comparison, are both trying our utmost effort to find peace in the comfort of one another. Bilal brings together these wounded people, who have been cut off from this downfallen world, and tries to provide them with a future worth living. The answer: realizing we have more power than we believe, to change the world, if only we make an effort to understand.