Native Americans in Comic Books: A Critical Study

by Michael A. Sheyahshe

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476667997
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	11/16/2016
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	223
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Michael A. Sheyahshe is a member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. He has written for Illusions, Trauma Magazine, Native Peoples, and Games for Windows: The Official Magazine and is a Trustee of the Caddo Nation’s Heritage Museum. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface     
Introduction     

1. The Mohican Syndrome and Super “Wannabes”: Ain’t Nothin’ Like the Real Thing     
2. Multiethnic Heroes: A Case of (Really!) Mistaken Identity     
3. The Indian as Sidekick: Falling Prey to More Villains’ Traps by 10 A.M. Than Most People Do All Day     
4. The Indian’s Sidekick: Where’s That New “Temp” We Hired?     
5. Instant Shaman ( Just Add Indian)     
6. Indigenous Trackers Union (ITU)     
7. Sepia-Toned Prison: Indigenous Characters as Historical Artifacts     
8. Modern-Day Native Heroes: Now with 25 Percent Fewer Feathers!     
9. Indigenous Revision     
10. Independent Voices: Native American Comics from Smaller Publishers     
11. The Video Game Crossover: Indigenous Comic Book Characters Comin’ Straight Atcha!     
12. Native Warriors: Indigenous Representation in the Military     
13. The Power of Indigenous Women: PIW in Action!     

Conclusion: Knowing Is Half the Battle     
Appendix A. Major Native American Comic Book Characters     
Appendix B. Literature Review and Resources     
Works Cited     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

important...recommended”—Choice; “a groundbreaking work...should be celebrated as an introduction to this much-neglected area of study”—World Literature Today; “in-depth...Sheyahshe delivers a much-needed analysis and overview”—Nuvo Newsweekly.

From the Publisher

"a groundbreaking work...should be celebrated as an introduction to this much-neglected area of study"

World Literature Today

important...recommended

Choice