The Green Arrow Guide To Becoming A Social Justice Warrior

Comics, like other storytelling mediums, have often been used to address a range of political issues, such as immigration, gun control and climate change. Superheroes have been used as symbols for different movements, but few characters have stuck to their political principles quite like Green Arrow. Oliver Queen has emerged as a voice of liberal activism and social change. A self-proclaimed ‘defender of the little guy,’ Green Arrow is a superhero who wears his liberalism on his sleeve.

Ollie’s political views have become as integral to him as his bow and quiver. His transformation from spoiled rich kid into social justice warrior makes him unique among his peers. Understanding Green Arrow’s politics is essential to understanding who he is as a person. It’s why I’m taking a closer look at his world view. Continue reading “The Green Arrow Guide To Becoming A Social Justice Warrior”

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Investigating Vietnamese Identity With Karma And Her Status As An Important Superhero

Over the past few decades, Vietnam has become one of the most revitalised countries in the world. The Vietnam War left its mark and the political landscape changed forever. A comic character that represents the struggles of the Vietnamese is Karma. She was among the boat people who fled the country after the rise of Communism. As a culturally important superhero, Karma is a representation of Vietnamese resilience. A founding member of the New Mutants, Karma is one of the most believable X-Men characters. Continue reading “Investigating Vietnamese Identity With Karma And Her Status As An Important Superhero”

Scrutinising The Hypocrisy Of Magneto And His Status As A Relatable Character

Magneto has earned a reputation for being one of the most complicated characters in the history of comics. As a Holocaust survivor, Max Eisenhardt’s motivations have been framed in a sympathetic light. His mission to protect mutants at any cost comes from the persecution he suffered.

There have been countless articles written about Magneto’s tragic motives. I’d like to focus on how his motivations, while noble, have made him a hypocrite. Magneto has punished and killed mutants that don’t live up to his standards. His hypocrisy is a reflection of human nature. Continue reading “Scrutinising The Hypocrisy Of Magneto And His Status As A Relatable Character”

How The Witcher Inspired Me To Get In Touch With My Polish Heritage

Knowing where you come from is important. Heritage provides a connection between the past a present, a way to appreciate your family members and inform where you’d like to be in future. Living in the UK, I’ve grown up around my English relatives, but I didn’t know a lot about the Polish side of the family. Recently, I took a trip to Warsaw to get in touch with my Polish heritage, and that would have never happened if I hadn’t discovered The Witcher. What started out as an appreciation for a series turned into a pilgrimage of learning about my family’s history.

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Abbott #5 Review: A Satisfying, Supernatural Conclusion To An Exciting Series

Since it started in January, I’ve been following Saladin Ahmed’s Abbott series, which has continually impressed me with its subject matter and protagonist. Elena Abbott’s journalistic integrity combined with her status as a black woman has provided an interesting journey. Each issue has built momentum, showing elements of a supernatural threat lingering over Detroit. In Abbott #5, Elena finally confronts the demons of her past and future with explosive results.

Continue reading “Abbott #5 Review: A Satisfying, Supernatural Conclusion To An Exciting Series”

Ra’s Al Ghul And His Relevance To The Batman Universe

Batman’s rogues gallery features an eclectic range of villains who push The Dark Knight to his limits. Few have tested him like Ra’s Al Ghul, a man with complicated motives and a warped sense of justice. Helped by the mystical Lazarus Pits, Ra’s seeks to bring balance to the world through any means necessary. Ra’s desire to create environmental balance is juxtaposed against his quest to wipe out humanity. This clashes with Batman’s ideals, causing them to be locked in an ongoing struggle. But what sets Ra’s apart from other villains is his genuine respect for Bruce Wayne. The Comic Vault is looking into the history of the Demon’s Head to understand what drives him.

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Green Arrow: Year One Review: An Exciting Origin Story That Will Leave You Wanting More

Green Arrow is one of those superheroes that people find it easy to connect with because of his beliefs. As someone who stands up for the little guy, Oliver Queen has dedicated his resources to making the world a better place with a bow and arrow. But it took him a long time to become the man he is, as Queen had to learn how to survive on his own two feet before becoming Green Arrow. Ollie’s transformation from frivolous playboy to hardened hunter is chronicled in Andy Diggle’s Green Arrow: Year One. The graphic novel contains themes of isolation, manhood, slavery and the power of nature against urbanisation.

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What Makes Captain America The Heart Of The Avengers?

The Avengers are one of the most important superhero teams in the world, with each member fulfilling a specific purpose. Thor provides the strength, Iron Man provides financial backing and scientific expertise. Yet the team wouldn’t be the same without Captain America. Some people might consider the character bland compared to other superheroes, but in my opinion Steve Rogers represents more than having a cool set of powers. The Comic Vault is examining what Captain America represents and how he can be an inspiration to the people around him.

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Abbott #4 Review: A High-Stakes Game Of Cat And Mouse

Since it started back in January, Saladin Ahmed’s Abbott series has been one of the most intriguing independent comic stories going. The potent mixture of political and supernatural themes have painted a compelling picture of Detroit in the 1970s. Abbott #4 sees daring reporter Elena Abbott finally get to the bottom of a case that’s been testing her since the beginning.

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Abbott #3 Review: A Fast-Paced Issue That Ramps Up The Supernatural Tension And Intrigue

Saladin Ahmed’s Abbott series has been one of the exciting original stories of 2018, with its focus on blaxploitation and political upheaval in 1970s Detroit. The momentum continues to build in issue three, as Elena Abbott looks to unravel a mystery that’s becoming increasingly supernatural. The story picks up directly from the second issue, with Abbott trying to escape a murderous centaur that’s determined to cut her investigation short.

Continue reading “Abbott #3 Review: A Fast-Paced Issue That Ramps Up The Supernatural Tension And Intrigue”