The Alt-Right Tries to Reclaim Comics: Part Two

The Alt-Right Tries to Reclaim Comics: Part Two

So Vox Day just did a talk with Ethan Van Sciver, so I guess that means my blog is relevant for once. Guess it had to happen eventually. It's a very enlightening conversation; I highly recommend watching it. EVS is an excellent interviewer, and it's clear that he passionately loves comics. 

For his part, Vox Day comes off infinitely better when he's speaking in person. He seems far more introspective about his efforts, namely Alt★Hero. Vox also has done some homework, and he acknowledges that despite the damage being done to comics by SJWs, they don't hold a candle to what the economic models under Diamond distribution have wreaked. 

That being said, I very much agree with EVS when he observes that Vox is needlessly poisoning the well by injecting far right politics into his comics and presenting a belligerent attitude to anyone who would disagree with him. While it may be only fair, in a manner of speaking, for the far right to have it's turn at the wheel of comics considering that the far left has been at the helm for years, I don't think it's healthy or fun for the industry. 

One thing Vox said that was somewhat encouraging is that he is willing to hear constructive criticism. So, let's take a closer look at Alt★Hero. The first thing to note regarding the crowd funding pitch for Alt★Hero is that Vox Day seems to really love his world building. The entire pitch seems to be one big lore exercise. 

I don't know what bothers me more, his proportions or his haircut. 

One comic follows a super powered individual who basically gets shanghaied into working for a United Nations organization. The story and writing for this particular piece seems to be the most intriguing so far. Following a globalist group like this, I expect that Vox will use the comic to subvert the philosophy that underpins such organizations. The artwork is colorful enough, but it's lacking in a few key areas The paneling is a tad flat, but it's the cartoony proportions and style that are the real problem. Superhero comics have a distinct style that's a blend of realism and surrealism. Going the cartoon route is something that modern comics (especially SJW ones) have tried recently, but the results have been disappointing. Cartooning tends to work more for humorous comics and parodies, and I think that approach will ultimately conflict with the serious tone that it appears Vox is trying to create here. 

Ah, the Adobe photo shop school of art, I see.

And then we get to art like this. This is the kind of art where you put a filter over a 3D modeling program.It simply is not up to par with current superhero comics. Since Vox has raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars (more than that, according what he said in his interview with Van Sciver), He might want to consider stepping up the game so he can keep and maintain an audience. Although there is a surprising amount of money gleaned by an enterprise meant to provoke leftists, such money will dry up quickly if the product itself is lacking merit. Activist consumerism only lasts so long; if we use the model provided by SJW related projects, it's something like 2-3 issues. 

Lastly, we get Rebel. Again, this is another example of amateurish 3D modeled art. It's important to note here that it's important to treat your topic with the respect and weight it's due. Vox stated in his interview that he views comics and all other forms of media beneath prose literature. Not reassuring words from someone who wants to become a major player in the medium. It takes more than costumes to make a superhero comic. Although Vox is correct when he states in his interview that the typical modes and strategies used by industry leaders are far from sacrosanct, simply ignoring everything that everyone else does and claiming that all of your amateur mistakes are somehow visionary is foolish. 

Confederate symbolism aside, I'm more offended that they missed the obvious name of "Rebelle."

Therefore, I hope that Vox follows his own advice regarding criticism as stated in his conversation with Van Sciver instead of digging in his heels like he does on his blog.