Censorship is bad and Water is wet
Comic Reviews - Week Ending 01/30/2022
Good morning, my friend,
Today, I’m going to share with you a bit of personal philosophy that extends to everything surrounding how ComicalOpinions.com is run.
It’s easy to say you’re for Free Speech, but it only matters when that stance is put to the test. A couple of news items this past week have certainly created a test for folks we know, follow, and follow us.
First, a Tennessee school board has opted to pull Art Spiegelman’s MAUS due to objectionable content. Second, Neil Young and Spotify are at odds over Joe Rogan’s choice of guests and conversation topics.
My view, and the view of everyone associated with the site, is that people should be allowed to discuss content and ideas on any topic, no matter how uncomfortable, without interference. Period. Full stop. It’s a simplistic view and the correct one.
The only exception to this view is when that discussion becomes directive or when the content is criminal in nature. Directive speech is the speech where one or more speakers direct listeners to take action e.g. “Go rob a bank” or “Set your house on fire”. Beyond directive speech, anything is fair game.
We take this very liberal approach for two reasons. First, comic books are a form of art. Censored art is dishonest art, and dishonest art is always forgettable and meaningless. The imagination can’t explore and create if it’s not allowed to stretch the limits of accepted understanding and that requires the exploration of ideas without hindrance.
Second, creativity is not just limited to the craft of creating comic books but everything that surrounds our culture and society. Science and medicine are never 100% settled (anyone who says that is either lying or a fool). Science, medicine, and society are constantly evolving, but that evolutionin relies on having tough conversations that challenge assumptions and offer off-the-wall ideas, even ideas that turn out to be wrong.
Again, comics are art, and art is a reflection of our culture and society. When we get comfortable muting uncomfortable conversations and restrcting creativity, it won’t be long before every facet of our culture involving creative expression follows suit, including comics.
In practical terms, that means we read and review comics from all corners of the Earth, regardless of the topic, creator, or publisher. As long as that comic provider isn’t a criminal or engaged in “directive speech” that causes actual harm (notice the VERY specific use of the word “harm”). Getting beat up is harmful. Words (criticism, opinions, even insults) are not harmful.
Aside from the obvious caveats of criminality and “directive speech”, we don’t purity test creators, we don’t whitelist or blacklist publishers, and we listen to all points of view. Especially ones we disagree with or make us uncomfortable.
So, that’s where we stand on the topic. You may agree or not, and that’s okay. We respect your right to disagree, and all we ask is you respect our right to say it.
Now, let’s get on to some comics. We’ve got a fine batch for you this week.
VAMPIRELLA/DRACULA: UNHOLY #2 – Review
THE INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 – Review
SHEENA: QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE (VOL. 2) #3 – Review
THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #5 – Review
GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #56 – Review
ALL GUTS, NO GLORY #1 – Review
THE HARBINGER #4 – Review
SHI NO KAGE #6 – Review
DEAL BREAKER #1 – Review
PLAINER JANE #1 – Review
BLOOD ON SUNSET #1 – Review
TALES FROM THE DEAD ASTRONAUT #2 – Review
TWIZTID: HAUNTED HIGH-ONS: THE CURSE OF THE GREEN BOOK #2 – Review
THE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE #3 – Review
Boston Metaphysical Society: Book of Demons (One-Shot) (Source Point Press)
Wild Bullets #2 (Source Point Press)
Speed Republic #1 (Mad Cave Studios)
Hell Sonja #2 (Dynamite Comics)
Red Sonja Valentine’s Day Special 2022 (Dynamite Comics)
Belle Annual #25 (Zenescope Entertainment)
Soma City #1 (indie submission)
Blowback (indie submission)
That’s the shortlist. We’ll add more as time and resources allow.
Again, thanks for your support. Please share (handy dandy ‘Share’ button is down below) this newsletter with everyone you can. Your support ensures we can keep bringing you great content for a very long time.
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Have a great day!