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This work takes an in-depth look at the world of comic books through the eyes of a Native American reader and offers frank commentary on the medium's cultural representation of the Native American people. It addresses a range of portrayals, from the bloodthirsty barbarians and noble savages of dime novels, to formulaic secondary characters and sidekicks, and, occasionally, protagonists sans paternal white hero, examining how and why Native Americans have been consistently marginalized and misrepresented in comics. Chapters cover early representations of Native Americans in popular culture and newspaper comic strips, the Fenimore Cooper legacy, the "white" Indian, the shaman, revisionist portrayals, and Native American comics from small publishers, among other topics.
List of contents
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. The Mohican Syndrome and Super "Wannabes": Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing
2. Multiethnic Heroes: A Case of (Really!) Mistaken Identity
3. The Indian as Sidekick: Falling Prey to More Villains' Traps by 10 A.M. Than Most People Do All Day
4. The Indian's Sidekick: Where's That New "Temp" We Hired?
5. Instant Shaman ( Just Add Indian)
6. Indigenous Trackers Union (ITU)
7. Sepia-Toned Prison: Indigenous Characters as Historical Artifacts
8. Modern-Day Native Heroes: Now with 25 Percent Fewer Feathers!
9. Indigenous Revision
10. Independent Voices: Native American Comics from Smaller Publishers
11. The Video Game Crossover: Indigenous Comic Book Characters Comin' Straight Atcha!
12. Native Warriors: Indigenous Representation in the Military
13. The Power of Indigenous Women: PIW in Action!
Conclusion: Knowing Is Half the Battle Appendix A. Major Native American Comic Book Characters Appendix B. Literature Review and Resources Works Cited Index
About the author
Michael A. Sheyahshe is a member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. He has written for Illusions, Trauma Magazine, Native Peoples, and Games for Windows: The Official Magazine and is a Trustee of the Caddo Nation's Heritage Museum. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Summary
Takes an in-depth look at the world of comic books through the eyes of a Native American reader and offers frank commentary on the medium's cultural representation of the Native American people. It addresses a range of portrayals, examining how and why Native Americans have been consistently marginalized and misrepresented in comics.
