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Post by arcalian on Apr 20, 2007 6:12:08 GMT -5
It depends on what real world issue, how it's handled, how the heroes involved are handled, and how often it happens.
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Post by David on Apr 20, 2007 6:29:38 GMT -5
I don't read comics to read about real world issues. Comics should be escapist fantasy, and rarely are real-world issues handled with the sensitivity required, anyway (there are of course, exceptions, but, again, they wouldn't be the comics I read). I suggest the news (or a newspaper for that sort of thing.  |
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Post by arcalian on Apr 20, 2007 6:47:42 GMT -5
Comics should be escapist fantasy, and rarely are real-world issues handled with the sensitivity required, anyway (there are of course, exceptions, but, again, they wouldn't be the comics I read). I suggest the news (or a newspaper for that sort of thing. The emphasis I placed on your quote explains my feeling on the matter. Civil War, for example, did NOT handle the matter with the "sensitivity required". |
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Mischief
Staff 
I Sit Upon My Throne As The Guardian & The Keeper Of The Lightning.
Posts: 1,517
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Post by Mischief on Apr 20, 2007 8:00:29 GMT -5
I enjoy reading the social issues in comics like Roy Harper's drug addiction. Marvel acknowledging 9/11. The storyline in the Outsiders that involved America's Most Wanted.
My opinion only
Mischief
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Post by starlord on Apr 20, 2007 10:39:40 GMT -5
I don't mind them in some cases. I actually just got done reading American Way, which I thought was a terrific graphic novel, and dealt with racisim in the sixties. It was a well executed story.
As for main stream titles, I wouldn't want to see a lot of it, since I enjoy the escapism that comics give me. However, I enjoy an issue once in a while that reminds me that there is a real world out there, with real people and real problems.
***coughDC2'sOutsiders#6cough***
but if I want a steady stream of it, I'd rather look outside the main stream books for it.
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Post by michealdark on Apr 20, 2007 14:47:00 GMT -5
Did I comment on this yet? Personally,I prefere them in there. When you know a character is going through something similiar to what you have,it makes you relate to them more. It can also be a very effective storytelling device. Just so long as it's not overpowering and there's still a sense of fun and disbelief once in a while,and the stories remain good.
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Post by capeandcowl on Apr 20, 2007 16:37:10 GMT -5
I don't buy the idea that comics should just be mindless entertainment. I see the best comics in the tradition of the best science fiction - dealing with real world issues by placing them in a fantasy context. The very best comics - DKR, V for Vendetta, Sandman, Maus, the Watchmen - all dealt with the political and social issues of their day and they are brilliant stories.
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Post by darkknight814 on Apr 20, 2007 17:49:15 GMT -5
Comics are a reflection of what our society is about...:
War. Social injustice. Politics.
These are all common themes that comics seem to address now, but I don't have a problem with it unless they go no where with the storyline... to me if you want to address a social issue.. then say something meaningful about it, but please make it a good story.
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Post by michealdark on Apr 20, 2007 21:39:08 GMT -5
Comics are a reflection of what our society is about...: War. Social injustice. Politics. These are all common themes that comics seem to address now, but I don't have a problem with it unless they go no where with the storyline... to me if you want to address a social issue.. then say something meaningful about it, but please make it a good story. I totally agree. I just wish someone would remind Winnick of this in regards to Mia's HIV status. I understand him not wanting Mia's story to be soley about that. There's alot more to her than that. But he's hardly touched on it,and never really shown us what life's like for her. She deserves at least a "Day in the Life" issue just to show us what being a heroine and a high school student is like when you're HIV +. You'd figure that a former AIDS lecturer could give us that. |
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Post by Mr Clown on Apr 23, 2007 23:31:21 GMT -5
If it makes for a good story, then I'm glad it's in there. But if a social issue is just tossed in there for no real reason other than the writer is feeling like they've got to preach, leave it out. Real life issues are always a gamble in comics, sometimes it works really well, and delivers a positive message. While other times, it falls flat and the company looks bad because of it.
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Post by Lantern Lad on Apr 24, 2007 1:24:42 GMT -5
... ummm... Maybe?
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Post by Crow on Apr 24, 2007 8:41:21 GMT -5
I feel more drawn to a story that reflects the real world, yet throws in unrealistic stories. Ultimates 1 and 2 was ultra real and ultra political in the hands of Mark Millar, but still had superheroics in it, and for that titles it fit perfectly. Other titles should be done in certain ways, but it doesn't hurt.
I have problems sometimes when a real life issue is introduced and then done away with "magically". I believe that some things should be stuck to, even though they live in a world where anything and everything can happen.
Everyone who has read my posts on the matter of death in comics knows I only tolerate it if the original death was uncalled for or badly done, or enough time has set in. But if the character died in a sacrificial moment, or die of something related to disease or age, I hate if they are brought back. Like Captain Marvel of Marvel Comics, who died of cancer, very touching and realistic for a characters who fight cosmic beings in space, is not back in Marvel by time travel or some crap. And don't get me started on Hawkeye, who died, and then two months later fans were hearing plans of his return.
But on the flipside of all of this, some comics are better left as unrealistic and cosmic and crazy as possible.
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Post by chris on Apr 28, 2007 14:35:23 GMT -5
Comics are a reflection of what our society is about...: War. Social injustice. Politics. These are all common themes that comics seem to address now, but I don't have a problem with it unless they go no where with the storyline... to me if you want to address a social issue.. then say something meaningful about it, but please make it a good story. I totally agree. I just wish someone would remind Winnick of this in regards to Mia's HIV status. I understand him not wanting Mia's story to be soley about that. There's alot more to her than that. But he's hardly touched on it,and never really shown us what life's like for her. She deserves at least a "Day in the Life" issue just to show us what being a heroine and a high school student is like when you're HIV +. You'd figure that a former AIDS lecturer could give us that. I think he kind of does. How many people with HIV would go around talking about it all day. I think not talking abou tit much shows a side of the character. In life people have many problems they rarely talk about when they are just going thru a "day inthe life". |
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Post by chris on Apr 28, 2007 14:39:21 GMT -5
I think social issues have their place in literature for sure as well as political. But I could get really bored with with it. If everything I read and every movie I go see is a scorching indictment on the Bush administration it gets boring and old quick much like politicians. I dont care who a comic writer would vote for as much as I care that I'm not spending three to four dollars on a comic(or eight to nine on a movie) that amounts to a political ad. If you ask me it's just another form of punditry. That beind said for the record I am someone who loathes both Rush Limbaugh and Al Franken equally.
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Post by michealdark on Apr 28, 2007 15:00:53 GMT -5
I totally agree. I just wish someone would remind Winnick of this in regards to Mia's HIV status. I understand him not wanting Mia's story to be soley about that. There's alot more to her than that. But he's hardly touched on it,and never really shown us what life's like for her. She deserves at least a "Day in the Life" issue just to show us what being a heroine and a high school student is like when you're HIV +. You'd figure that a former AIDS lecturer could give us that. I think he kind of does. How many people with HIV would go around talking about it all day. I think not talking abou tit much shows a side of the character. In life people have many problems they rarely talk about when they are just going thru a "day inthe life". Again,I'm not saying that it would have to be something brought up all the time because that would drag her down,but I would like to see just an issue that's focused solely on her and her life. It might actually become a very informative thing instead of the exploitative thing I think Winnick might feel people would view it as. It ewould be a chance for him to teach us something . Winnick is big on the social issues(not just Mia's HIV,but also in Outsiders gay/lesbian characters,child abduction,etc.),but it's better to use them as informative items instead of pure shock moments or just because. Then again I think Mia deserves her own mini and has for a long time,so maybe my opinion's void.  |
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Post by HoM on Apr 28, 2007 15:12:59 GMT -5
Ah, but if editors green lighted what you're suggesting, people would bitch and moan about it anyway. That's just the general nature of Winnick's writing nowadays. Loved or loathed.
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Post by michealdark on Apr 28, 2007 18:56:27 GMT -5
I both love and loathe depending on the story.  His writing reminds me of Joe Kelly's on Supergirl in that respect. Sometimes I love what he does becasue I find the story moving or captivating in some way or just in general badass,other times I hate it(those times being when I think he abuses social issues or goes a little overboard on the violence,sex,or swearing without warning anyone he's going too...*cough*IndyandShift*cough*). |
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Post by brigante133 on Apr 30, 2007 13:43:13 GMT -5
an issue or even worse a mini focussing on mia's life would be boring and soap boxy, that's why they shouldnt do it. besides, they got that story out earlier and more effectively on winnicks season of the real world plus it had puck so i don't think spotlighting mia's illness is a tactful way to bring it up and i agree with chris, they shouldn't be like, "i think i am going to go do something heroic, did i mention i have aids? because i do.... aids.... aidsity aids aids aids." it wouldnt seem realistic.
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Post by HoM on Apr 30, 2007 13:58:40 GMT -5
Why are you mocking the way I talk? |
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Post by HoM on Apr 30, 2007 14:01:28 GMT -5
Ah, I haven't weighed in on this! Ok, I think that using real life as a backdrop for a story can be striking and effective, but sometimes tasteless and tactless if the real life is fresh in the world's eyes. But then again, using real life as a major part of the story can be solid and amazing. Deux Machina, anyone? The 9/11 issue of Amazing Spider-Man? Two stories that blew me away when I read them. Honestly, JMS and BKV really out did themselves with those two stories, but then again, I think Marvel blew their wad when they did the 9/11 specials (what was up with that?) and yes, I realise they were to fund charities, but I think that sometimes it's questionable. Superman saving the lives of people during 9/11 doesn't work for me because he could have stopped it. He's Superman. Batman fighting the Taliban, on the other hand... |
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Post by michealdark on Apr 30, 2007 15:38:40 GMT -5
an issue or even worse a mini focussing on mia's life would be boring and soap boxy, that's why they shouldnt do it. besides, they got that story out earlier and more effectively on winnicks season of the real world plus it had puck so i don't think spotlighting mia's illness is a tactful way to bring it up and i agree with chris, they shouldn't be like, "i think i am going to go do something heroic, did i mention i have aids? because i do.... aids.... aidsity aids aids aids." it wouldnt seem realistic. I can see your point. We both come at this from different angles it seems. You see it as becoming repetative. I see it as kinda educational,and a part of her life people should be mroe aware of. But I'm fine with your counter-arguement. Agree to disagree? *extends hand* |
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Post by HoM on Apr 30, 2007 15:42:31 GMT -5
GET 'IM, RAMON! But seriously, you gotta realise that some people will never be happy. For instance, if she had her own adventure in Green Arrow's book, people would be like "This isn't Mia Dearden: HIV SURVIVOR", you know? Some people would just claim Winnick was preaching again, especially after that atrocious "Ollie doesn't know what HIV is" issue, after she was diagnosed. That was irritating. But yes, educational too. I see your point! |
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Post by michealdark on Apr 30, 2007 22:26:41 GMT -5
Lol,um,you skipped my last post. |
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Quester
Staff
Call me 'Q'!
Posts: 681
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Post by Quester on May 2, 2007 10:00:20 GMT -5
sure....I mean sometimes its a nice touch to have Bush as the President or whatever and little hints to current events and pop culture is nice and gives it a sense that the writers aren't stuck in a bubble but when it comes to 9/11 and stuff...sure it happened dont not write about it coz your scared and on the flip side dont write about it purely to be contraversial. If its a good story write and draw it and if its realistic power to them!
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Post by michealdark on May 10, 2007 13:48:15 GMT -5
Getting back to the Mia issue for just a second...here's an apology to Judd actually....
Dear Judd,
I want to appologize. I've been hard on you on almost every comic board I belong to about your treatment of Mia and her..."condition". I,being a latecomer to Green Arrow,had barely seen more than a passing mention of it,seeing it tackled more in the Lights Out arc of Titans or those Robin issues with the Titans in them trying to get that medicine for Superboy. I just assumed that you sprung it on her and then like never touched on it besides one or two passing mentions.
Needless to say,I picked up the Moving Targets trade today, and I was wrong. You actually did more than just touch on it. You did exceptionally well with it,as one would expect given your background and knowledge of it. While I still insist that perhaps touching on it a little more often would have been appreciated, you seemed to want to get it all out of the way in one shot. And what you did turned out to be really good.
Once again,I'd like to say that I'm sorry I've been so hard. We just have differing opinions. You dealt with it all at once. I would have liked to have seen you spread it out...or give one full day-in-the-life issue. But my assumption was wrong,and so I apologize. It's a shame to see GA go too. I've enjoyed it since coming on.
Sincerely,
Matthew Bennett(aka Micheal Dark)
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Post by Grimsby Dockyard on May 28, 2007 12:09:08 GMT -5
I found this "spring cleaning". A pitch to "Cracked" magazine. The HawkGirl is in the Justice League. Should give one an idea of when it was done. Page two didn't copy completely, Cracked got the good copy. Rejected? Worse, no reply... Here's Superheroes taking on Real Life Issues.   |
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Post by HoM on May 28, 2007 12:20:19 GMT -5
Ha!!
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