When did comics get so political? Where did my escapist comic books go? My name is Blair Robinson and I am here to tell you that comic books have always been political - from Captain America punching Hitler in 1941 to the more recent trend of minority legacy heroes.
Hey Social Comic-tary listeners! We're back after a several month-long hiatus. Things have been pretty wild for me - I moved across the country and started law school! I'm not sure how regularly I'll be able to put out content, but I'll be doing my best to keep the show active as I dive into my second semester.In this episode, we take a look at Wonder Woman 1984 through a Social Comic-tary lens. Overall I enjoyed the movie and thought it did many things well, but there were a few missteps that stood out to me as well. Let me know your thoughts by emailing me at socialcomictary@gmail.com
Recent events have prompted people in America and all over the world to reevaluate the role that police play in society. But, how is the role of police informed by superhero media? Can we hold police accountable while celebrating the lawless behavior exhibited by our superheroes? In this episode, Blair takes a stab at unpacking our infatuation with the hero fantasy.You can reach me by email at SocialComictary@gmail.com
There are a *LOT* of mentally ill characters in comics. Mental illness can be an intriguing part of a character's backstory, especially when their diagnosis is tied into their powers. In this episode, Blair gives a brief history of mental illness in comic books and asks the question - do comic books show mental illness in an unhealthy way?You can reach the show at SocialComictary@gmail.com
Happy Pride month! On this episode of Social Comic-tary, Blair explores the first LGBT characters in comic books, and talks about why determining the very first Queer character isn't as clear cut as it sounds. Also, a discussion of the importance of quality representation in media.You can email me at SocialComictary@gmail.com
Harley Quinn has been in the media a lot recently, having headlined a major motion picture and an original animated series. How did Harley Quinn get to be the Joker's henchwoman, and is their relationship an empowering depiction of a woman leaving an abusive partner or a damaging romanticization of domestic abuse?You can email me at SocialComictary@gmail.com
Hello, and welcome to Social Comic-tary! For most of the 1940s, the ever-present World War II dominated the media. In this episode, Blair explores the effects of World War II on the comic book industry, from comic book creators who served to propaganda developed to raise money for the war effort. Keep those bullets flying!You can email me at SocialComicTary@gmail.com
Happy Woman's Month!In this episode, Blair explores the history of Wonder Woman, her multitalented creator, and how she got stuck answering the phones while the boys of the Justice Society of America got to go out and save the day.You can email me at SocialComictary@gmail.com.
To celebrate Black History Month, let's take a look at the first Black heroes from Marvel and DC. You know the Black Panther, but who the heck is Mal Duncan...?You can email me at SocialComicTary@gmail.com
Episode 2 of Social Comic-tary! In this episode, I talk through how the story of Superman is reflective of real-world climate change, climate change denial, and what it means to be a refugee. You can email me at SocialComicTary@gmail.com
When did comics get so political? Where did my escapist comic books go?My name is Blair Robinson and I am here to tell you that comic books have always been political - from Captain America punching Hitler in 1941 to the more recent trend of minority legacy heroes. In episode 1, I give a broad overview of the historical "Ages" of comics. This is my first time recording and editing a podcast, so it's a bit rough! Later episodes will see a deeper dive into specific characters, storylines, and