I was reading through Wizard Magazine and was reminded of an interesting fact. The Wizard article mentioned DC Universe Earth-2 and Earth-10 being influenced by the Nazi’s of Germany. Yes, the ones back in 1940.
I think that this represents a dangerous trend in comic books. Many of the popular titles became increasingly noteworthy during World War II. Some, actually, were born during this time. This is their heritage, but what do we do with them now?
There is still room for a World WarII context in some titles; the SGT. Rock title to be published in the Spring is an example. But, with some many titles out their, why are we so fixated on the Nazi’s? Of course, they are the politically safe bad guys (unless you’re in Germany, by the way). But, that was sixty years ago. I don’t believe we should forget the sacrifices that the soldiers made during that time (Happy Veteran’s Day, by the way), but I do think that today’s writers are lacking creativity by not developing a new enemy–one that younger people can relate to. Realistically, the war fought in World War II can not be compared in any way to the war being fought today–and the wars of the future, for that matter. Technology has incredibly made this type of war impossible.
So why don’t we create a new enemy. We don’t have to name them–I realize that their are marketing reasons not to alienate any group. But, if we alienate supporters of Al-Qaeda–I would not be disappointed.
My point is that we need to bring the characters up to date with an army to fight that is much different from the Nazi’s of 1940, but more like the terrorists of today.
kastor says
I think that is right that we need to move in a new direction in some ways but i don’t think in this new PC world it will happen. The NAzi idea is safe for the most part and will be used. I think in some context it does still work, like in the case of the JSA where you have heroes from that time fighting with new heroes those old past bad guys looking for revenge. If you look at Cap. America he did take on Muslims in his run right after 9/11, but his main villain is the Red Skull so it will always fall back in some way to the NAzi idea.