Native Americans in Comic Books: A Critical Study

by Sheyahshe, Michael A.

• ISBN13: 9780786435654
• ISBN10: 0786435658
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-06-09
• Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc Pub

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

The Mohican syndrome and super "wannabes" : ain't nothin' like the real thing	p. 13
Multiethnic heroes : a case of (really!) mistaken identity	p. 28
The Indian as sidekick : falling prey to more villains' traps by 10 a.m. than most people do all day	p. 39
The Indian's sidekick : where's that new "temp" we hired?	p. 48
Instant shaman (just add Indian)	p. 55
Indigenous Trackers Union (ITU)	p. 79
Sepia-toned prison : indigenous characters as historical artifacts	p. 94
Modern-day Native heroes : now with 25 percent fewer feathers!	p. 99
Indigenous revision	p. 124
Independent voices : Native American comics from smaller publishers	p. 131
The video game crossover : indigenous comic book characters comin' straight atcha!	p. 153
Native warriors : indigenous representation in the military	p. 157
The power of indigenous women : PIW in action!	p. 168
Knowing is half the battle	p. 188
Major Native American comic book characters	p. 195
Literature review and resources	p. 199
Works cited	p. 211
Index	p. 213
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.