June 28, 2006

From the sublime to the ridiculous

In DOC SAMSON #1, released in January, Marvel almost succeeded in reviving perhaps the lamest Indian character ever: the Living Totem. Previously, this “villain” was about what the name suggested: a walking, talking totem pole. Imagine a literal stick figure with stubby arms and legs threatening a Western hero.

In the new version, the comic explained that a jealous shaman had buried the spirit of a Haida warrior in a totem pole. When the pole was uncovered, it came to life as a stack of winged animals. The Living Totem still looked silly, but the revised origin made this goofball character at least a little believable.

No comments: