Literature of Comics & Graphic Narratives

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...

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 th...

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...