Showing posts with label Blue Corn Comics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue Corn Comics. Show all posts
October 27, 2016
Sheyahshe's review of Peace Party
While I gear up to produce more comics, here is Michael Sheyahshe's review of Peace Party in his Native Americans in Comic Books:Schmidt has put some very hard work into this title. As mentioned, while he is non-Native, he does do his homework and he includes Native Americans in the creative process as well. The books are entertaining, well written, and well illustrated.
October 29, 2015
The origin of Captain Paiute
Origin Stories: Theo Tso, Creator of Captain Paiute: Indigenous Defender of the Southwest
By Johnnie Jae“I saw that there was a need for a superhero that was Native American, who would deal with Native issues coming on and off the various reservations of the southwest.”
Thus, Captain Paiute was born.
But after bringing his creation into being, Theo put him away for “a rainy day” as he continued his quest to draw and work for major comic houses, like DC and Marvel. As chance would have it, one of Theo’s friends attended the San Diego Comic Con and returned with a flyer from someone who was looking for a comic book artist to collaborate with. After submitting several samples of his work, Theo was given the opportunity to work on the debut issues of a few comic books from Blue Corn Comics. He penciled the debut issues for Masked Men and Peace Party. His artwork was also published in Phil Yea’s Winged Tiger series.
It was while working on Peace Party that Theo decided that it was time to give Captain Paiute another go. So, he started working on updating and further developing the story and adventures of Captain Paiute: Indigenous Defender of the Southwest. Comment: Thanks for the shout-out, Theo.
Stay tuned for the Captain Paiute/Peace Party team-up, now in progress!
By Johnnie Jae
Thus, Captain Paiute was born.
But after bringing his creation into being, Theo put him away for “a rainy day” as he continued his quest to draw and work for major comic houses, like DC and Marvel. As chance would have it, one of Theo’s friends attended the San Diego Comic Con and returned with a flyer from someone who was looking for a comic book artist to collaborate with. After submitting several samples of his work, Theo was given the opportunity to work on the debut issues of a few comic books from Blue Corn Comics. He penciled the debut issues for Masked Men and Peace Party. His artwork was also published in Phil Yea’s Winged Tiger series.
It was while working on Peace Party that Theo decided that it was time to give Captain Paiute another go. So, he started working on updating and further developing the story and adventures of Captain Paiute: Indigenous Defender of the Southwest.
Stay tuned for the Captain Paiute/Peace Party team-up, now in progress!
April 20, 2014
What I'm passionate about
Someone asked me what I'm passionate about and whether I'm truly passionate about doing comic books. My answer:
What am I passionate about? The simple answer would be: words and ideas.
This passion expresses itself in several ways:
1) Disseminating information. Including making up quizzes as a kid, getting a degree in library science, building a database of the LA Times, becoming a freelance journalist, blogging, and now posting on Facebook and Twitter.
2) Creative writing: Including making up characters as a kid, taking creative writing classes, trying the Marvel Try-Out Book, developing my own comic book, and now undertaking screenplays and novels.
The type or genre of stories I favor include science fiction, superheroes, fantasies, thrillers, and mysteries. The mediums I favor include comics, novels, movies, and TV shows. I constantly read and watch stories in these genres and mediums.
The themes I'm most interested in include race and culture, American and Native values, liberal and conservative politics, and science and religion. Many of my efforts in points 1) and 2) touch upon one or more of these themes.
Trek combines interests
A good example would be Star Trek, which may be my favorite fiction franchise. Within Star Trek, you can tell a variety of stories, though they're often sci-fi thrillers. You can use a variety of mediums, though TV was obviously the starting point.
And themes such as accepting diversity and avoiding violence are usually present in Star Trek. But these themes do not dominate or overshadow the stories in Trek and they won't in my work either.
I'd say I love all these things in roughly equal proportions. Which also means that I don't love comics more than anything else. Yes, I love them as a vehicle to tell my stories. I'd like them well enough if I got paid to write Marvel or DC comics. But obviously I didn't focus my career on breaking into comics to the exclusion of everything else. As long as I have other creative outlets, I'm okay with not doing comics.
I'm also gravitating from comics because I can't do them all myself. And that would be a problem if I were writing comics for the Big Two, writing TV scripts for a network, and so forth. I'd enjoy collaborating with like-minded people, but I don't want to butt heads constantly with people who don't share my vision. Nor do I like relying on people who prove to be unreliable. I'm passionate about being the one in control who can get things done and do them right.
Probably my "natural" field is writing novels--because they're long and wordy and the product of one mind. I've been fine-tuning one SF novel concept while I've been working on Peace Party and Breaking the Code, a movie script. It may be my next big project.
What am I passionate about? The simple answer would be: words and ideas.
This passion expresses itself in several ways:
1) Disseminating information. Including making up quizzes as a kid, getting a degree in library science, building a database of the LA Times, becoming a freelance journalist, blogging, and now posting on Facebook and Twitter.
2) Creative writing: Including making up characters as a kid, taking creative writing classes, trying the Marvel Try-Out Book, developing my own comic book, and now undertaking screenplays and novels.
The type or genre of stories I favor include science fiction, superheroes, fantasies, thrillers, and mysteries. The mediums I favor include comics, novels, movies, and TV shows. I constantly read and watch stories in these genres and mediums.
The themes I'm most interested in include race and culture, American and Native values, liberal and conservative politics, and science and religion. Many of my efforts in points 1) and 2) touch upon one or more of these themes.
Trek combines interests
A good example would be Star Trek, which may be my favorite fiction franchise. Within Star Trek, you can tell a variety of stories, though they're often sci-fi thrillers. You can use a variety of mediums, though TV was obviously the starting point.
And themes such as accepting diversity and avoiding violence are usually present in Star Trek. But these themes do not dominate or overshadow the stories in Trek and they won't in my work either.
I'd say I love all these things in roughly equal proportions. Which also means that I don't love comics more than anything else. Yes, I love them as a vehicle to tell my stories. I'd like them well enough if I got paid to write Marvel or DC comics. But obviously I didn't focus my career on breaking into comics to the exclusion of everything else. As long as I have other creative outlets, I'm okay with not doing comics.
I'm also gravitating from comics because I can't do them all myself. And that would be a problem if I were writing comics for the Big Two, writing TV scripts for a network, and so forth. I'd enjoy collaborating with like-minded people, but I don't want to butt heads constantly with people who don't share my vision. Nor do I like relying on people who prove to be unreliable. I'm passionate about being the one in control who can get things done and do them right.
Probably my "natural" field is writing novels--because they're long and wordy and the product of one mind. I've been fine-tuning one SF novel concept while I've been working on Peace Party and Breaking the Code, a movie script. It may be my next big project.
September 12, 2013
Update on blogging policy
Since Facebook and Twitter are now well-established, it's become less important for me to post Native-oriented news here. Especially full stories or long excerpts. So I'm continuing my effort to cut back the amount of material I post here.
You can find a wealth of stories on sites such as Pechanga.net, Indianz.com, and Indian Country Today. You should visit those sites for your daily dose of Native news.
I'll continue to post links here, and occasionally longer stories that I think you should read or where I have something to add. Also consider joining these news feeds, where I'll continue to be active:
Blue Corn Comics on Twitter
For the Native news and politics I consider important.
Blue Corn Comics on Facebook
For Native-themed comic books and related comics news.
NativeCelebs on Facebook
For Native entertainment news and analyses.
You can find a wealth of stories on sites such as Pechanga.net, Indianz.com, and Indian Country Today. You should visit those sites for your daily dose of Native news.
I'll continue to post links here, and occasionally longer stories that I think you should read or where I have something to add. Also consider joining these news feeds, where I'll continue to be active:
Blue Corn Comics on Twitter
For the Native news and politics I consider important.
Blue Corn Comics on Facebook
For Native-themed comic books and related comics news.
NativeCelebs on Facebook
For Native entertainment news and analyses.
August 19, 2013
"Native spiritual adviser" warns Rob
I received the following phone message August 11:Robert,
I am a Native American spiritual adviser. What are you doing writing a comic book about us Native Americans? This is wrong...spiritually wrong. You do not need to do this. You are making fun of us Indians--making us look like a bunch of hoodlums, thugs. I don't like this, and us Native Americans do not like this. This is wrong...spiritually wrong. We are not like this.
There is going to be problems with this. We will all gather up and protest this. Go as far as we can with it. This is wrong.
My name is Linda Haddaway. My number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx if you have comments on this. Thank you. Comment: I ignored this message, since Haddaway obviously hasn't read my comics and is some sort of crackpot.
The phrase "hoodlums, thugs" suggests she might have read my Scalped page. And assumed that someone was criticizing my stories rather my criticizing Jason Aaron's.
Hoodlums and thugs, lady? Not in the first two issues of Peace Party, which you almost certainly haven't read. If you're not a liar or an idiot, tell us which page of which issue shows an Indian as a hoodlum or a thug. Go ahead, we'll wait.
Who is Haddaway?
The woman spoke in a halting and slightly slurred fashion, as if she were old or drunk or reading off a script she wasn't sure of. Her area code suggested a southern Texas location, where there are few if any Indians.
Indeed, I have only her message to assure us she's Native. She could easily be a wannabe or an "Indian" with a tiny amount of Native blood.
I Googled her and found a Linda Hadaway who's a romance writer in Washington state. She might be the person who called, but I'd guess not.
I think Sherman Alexie's recent tweet about the spiritually minded applies here:When a person identifies him/herself as "a spiritual seeker," I seek a quick exit from his/her company. Get a clue, lady
Here's what else I might say to Haddaway if we spoke:
One, you're more than two decades too late. Maybe you could use a time machine to go back to 1990 and undo everything I've done.
Two, I suggest you focus on Scalped, which has about a thousand times the readership and clout of Peace Party. It actually portrays Natives negatively, unlike my comics.
For more on Scalped, see Aaron on Ending Scalped and Aaron Looks Back at Scalped.
I am a Native American spiritual adviser. What are you doing writing a comic book about us Native Americans? This is wrong...spiritually wrong. You do not need to do this. You are making fun of us Indians--making us look like a bunch of hoodlums, thugs. I don't like this, and us Native Americans do not like this. This is wrong...spiritually wrong. We are not like this.
There is going to be problems with this. We will all gather up and protest this. Go as far as we can with it. This is wrong.
My name is Linda Haddaway. My number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx if you have comments on this. Thank you.
The phrase "hoodlums, thugs" suggests she might have read my Scalped page. And assumed that someone was criticizing my stories rather my criticizing Jason Aaron's.
Hoodlums and thugs, lady? Not in the first two issues of Peace Party, which you almost certainly haven't read. If you're not a liar or an idiot, tell us which page of which issue shows an Indian as a hoodlum or a thug. Go ahead, we'll wait.
Who is Haddaway?
The woman spoke in a halting and slightly slurred fashion, as if she were old or drunk or reading off a script she wasn't sure of. Her area code suggested a southern Texas location, where there are few if any Indians.
Indeed, I have only her message to assure us she's Native. She could easily be a wannabe or an "Indian" with a tiny amount of Native blood.
I Googled her and found a Linda Hadaway who's a romance writer in Washington state. She might be the person who called, but I'd guess not.
I think Sherman Alexie's recent tweet about the spiritually minded applies here:
Here's what else I might say to Haddaway if we spoke:
One, you're more than two decades too late. Maybe you could use a time machine to go back to 1990 and undo everything I've done.
Two, I suggest you focus on Scalped, which has about a thousand times the readership and clout of Peace Party. It actually portrays Natives negatively, unlike my comics.
For more on Scalped, see Aaron on Ending Scalped and Aaron Looks Back at Scalped.
March 10, 2011
My biography and artist's statement
A gallery in Massachusetts recently asked to display some PEACE PARTY pages as part of a "graphic book show." The person who contacted me also wanted a biography and artist's statement.
That gave me an excuse to update my biography and create an artist's statement. Here they are:
Rob Schmidt—BiographyRob Schmidt has worked as a full-time freelance writer since 1993. He’s published hundreds of business and computer articles, political and cultural essays, and his first book, The National Jobline Directory (Bob Adams, Inc., 1994).
As a writer in the Indian and gaming fields, he works part-time on Pechanga.net, the Internet news source. He has written for Casino Journal, Indian Gaming Business, and Indian Country Today. He’s a regular contributor to other websites and blogs and is active on Facebook and Twitter.
Besides writing and editing PEACE PARTY, his flagship comic book, he writes on multicultural topics for his Newspaper Rock blog and Indian Comics Irregular newsletter. He’s written and published several comic-book stories, short stories, and one-shot cartoons. Other fiction projects in the works include screenplays and novels.
Before this, Rob spent nine years in the corporate world. He was a business programmer/analyst for Northrop Corporation and a library systems analyst for the Los Angeles Times. He continued writing and drawing during these jobs.
He earned an MBA and an MA in Library Science from the University of Chicago in 1983. He has a BA in Mathematics from Occidental College, where he graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He has studied multicultural and Native American issues on his own for decades.
A non-Native with no Cherokee princesses in his background, Rob was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. Rob Schmidt—Artist’s Statement
The mythology of America is based on the denial of the indigenous.Winona LaDuke (Anishinaabe), speech, 9/28/93
The theme of PEACE PARTY, and all the projects underway at Blue Corn Comics, is multicultural stories featuring Native Americans. Probably the question I get asked most often is: “Why write about Indians?” (as Native people usually call themselves).
When I was casting about for a comic-book project years ago, it struck me that Indians were involved in, sometimes at the center of, many of our cultural arguments: “family values,” religion, poverty, the environment, the role of government, racism, and multiculturalism. Writing from their viewpoint, or trying to, would allow me to question America’s dominant cowboy mentality. It would let me challenge “a culture that confirms the stereotype of the individual as solitary gunslinger and society as a hostile frontier,” as one Los Angeles Times article put it.
I’m hardly the first person to think of this approach. Tall Oak, a Narragansett quoted in the documentary 500 Nations, calls Indians the conscience of America. “The lesson,” he says, “is to realize the value of an alternative perspective. And that is why we are here. That is why the Creator allowed some of us to remain, in spite of all the attempts to destroy us.”
From the first page of PEACE PARTY #1, I wanted to confront readers’ expectations. Rather than the Biblical origin they’re used to, I gave them a Pueblo Indian origin. And I presented it as if it were the one, true “genesis” of the universe. I wanted to shake them up and say, “Hey, the Western view of things isn’t the only way to look at them. Other views are just as valid.”
In the first few pages, the three Indian characters—Billy, Drew, and Oliver—argue over nature. So much for the stereotype that Indians live in harmony with each other and the natural world, revering it and praying to it serenely. These Indians can’t even agree on a bird’s name, much less the sanctity of “Mother Earth.”
The characters banter and joke just like “regular” people. And use erudite quotes from the law and literature to make their points. This contradicts the common belief that Indians are simple-minded and stoic, staring blankly off into space, not far removed from their “savage” and “uncivilized” past. In reality, today’s Indians are articulate and educated; they’re doctors, lawyers, and teachers. Indeed, so were their ancestors, who built extensive civilizations, negotiated treaties and alliances, and performed complex rites and ceremonies.
The point isn’t that everyone should study Native history and culture—although that wouldn’t hurt. It’s that they should rethink their assumptions about who or what is the norm in our society. Is it a white man whose ancestors came over on the Mayflower (like mine)? Or someone whose ancestors came from Africa, Asia, or Latin America? Or whose ancestors have been here since the beginning? What makes the Western way the “right” way rather than just one way?
In short, my objective is to encourage people to question everything, especially their preconceived notions about what is right and wrong. Teaching people to think critically is perhaps the best contribution my comics and I can make to the national dialogue.
For more information, visit:
http://www.bluecorncomics.com
http://newspaperrock.bluecorncomics.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Corn-Comics/100867978082
http://twitter.com/bluecorncomics Comment: To see the pages in question, go to PEACE PARTY #1. For more on the subject, see The Genesis of PEACE PARTY.
That gave me an excuse to update my biography and create an artist's statement. Here they are:
Rob Schmidt—Biography
As a writer in the Indian and gaming fields, he works part-time on Pechanga.net, the Internet news source. He has written for Casino Journal, Indian Gaming Business, and Indian Country Today. He’s a regular contributor to other websites and blogs and is active on Facebook and Twitter.
Besides writing and editing PEACE PARTY, his flagship comic book, he writes on multicultural topics for his Newspaper Rock blog and Indian Comics Irregular newsletter. He’s written and published several comic-book stories, short stories, and one-shot cartoons. Other fiction projects in the works include screenplays and novels.
Before this, Rob spent nine years in the corporate world. He was a business programmer/analyst for Northrop Corporation and a library systems analyst for the Los Angeles Times. He continued writing and drawing during these jobs.
He earned an MBA and an MA in Library Science from the University of Chicago in 1983. He has a BA in Mathematics from Occidental College, where he graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He has studied multicultural and Native American issues on his own for decades.
A non-Native with no Cherokee princesses in his background, Rob was born and raised in the Los Angeles area.
The theme of PEACE PARTY, and all the projects underway at Blue Corn Comics, is multicultural stories featuring Native Americans. Probably the question I get asked most often is: “Why write about Indians?” (as Native people usually call themselves).
When I was casting about for a comic-book project years ago, it struck me that Indians were involved in, sometimes at the center of, many of our cultural arguments: “family values,” religion, poverty, the environment, the role of government, racism, and multiculturalism. Writing from their viewpoint, or trying to, would allow me to question America’s dominant cowboy mentality. It would let me challenge “a culture that confirms the stereotype of the individual as solitary gunslinger and society as a hostile frontier,” as one Los Angeles Times article put it.
I’m hardly the first person to think of this approach. Tall Oak, a Narragansett quoted in the documentary 500 Nations, calls Indians the conscience of America. “The lesson,” he says, “is to realize the value of an alternative perspective. And that is why we are here. That is why the Creator allowed some of us to remain, in spite of all the attempts to destroy us.”
From the first page of PEACE PARTY #1, I wanted to confront readers’ expectations. Rather than the Biblical origin they’re used to, I gave them a Pueblo Indian origin. And I presented it as if it were the one, true “genesis” of the universe. I wanted to shake them up and say, “Hey, the Western view of things isn’t the only way to look at them. Other views are just as valid.”
In the first few pages, the three Indian characters—Billy, Drew, and Oliver—argue over nature. So much for the stereotype that Indians live in harmony with each other and the natural world, revering it and praying to it serenely. These Indians can’t even agree on a bird’s name, much less the sanctity of “Mother Earth.”
The characters banter and joke just like “regular” people. And use erudite quotes from the law and literature to make their points. This contradicts the common belief that Indians are simple-minded and stoic, staring blankly off into space, not far removed from their “savage” and “uncivilized” past. In reality, today’s Indians are articulate and educated; they’re doctors, lawyers, and teachers. Indeed, so were their ancestors, who built extensive civilizations, negotiated treaties and alliances, and performed complex rites and ceremonies.
The point isn’t that everyone should study Native history and culture—although that wouldn’t hurt. It’s that they should rethink their assumptions about who or what is the norm in our society. Is it a white man whose ancestors came over on the Mayflower (like mine)? Or someone whose ancestors came from Africa, Asia, or Latin America? Or whose ancestors have been here since the beginning? What makes the Western way the “right” way rather than just one way?
In short, my objective is to encourage people to question everything, especially their preconceived notions about what is right and wrong. Teaching people to think critically is perhaps the best contribution my comics and I can make to the national dialogue.
For more information, visit:
http://www.bluecorncomics.com
http://newspaperrock.bluecorncomics.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Corn-Comics/100867978082
http://twitter.com/bluecorncomics
February 01, 2011
Lonehunt attacks Indians
As you probably don't recall, I got into a tiff with someone named Dominique Vantell Lonehunt last year. I noted the conflict here:
We Are the World for Natives?
Rob = moral police?!
Lonehunt flamed me for a few days on the NativeCelebs page on Facebook, where I contribute. Then he returned to whatever hidey-hole he came from and I forgot about him.
A couple of weeks ago he suddenly attacked me again. This time it was on the Native Citizen News Network (NCNN) page on Facebook. This page appears to be a faux "network" run primarily or solely by Lonehunt.
Why the renewed attacks? I imagine it's because he Googled himself:
Dominique Vantell Lonehunt
And found my postings as the no. 1 and 2 hits. They're a bit lower now, but still...you can see how this would upset him. Too bad for Lonehunt: If you don't want my criticisms to be the top-ranked hits for the rest of your life, you'd better not antagonize me.
Anyway, I went to the NCNN page, corrected Lonehunt's idiotic mistakes, and put him in his place. I also challenged him to tell people his real name and tribal affiliation, if any. He refused to answer these questions--presumably because he couldn't without embarrassing himself--and continued to attack me.
As far as anyone can tell, "Lonehunt" (probably a phony "Indian name") is a young Afro-Caribbean man who fancies himself a musician. Perhaps he found a Taino princess in his background and declared himself a Native for that reason. So far there's zero evidence that he's anything but a wannabe.
Lonehunt lashes out
Then it got interesting. A few of my Facebook friends went to the NCNN page and defended me, questioned Lonehunt's identity, or criticized Lonehunt for his vitriolic language. He began attacking these people too. Indians who challenged him were sellouts or fakes; non-Indians who challenged him were wannabes or exploiters. He even attacked some of his own NCNN "fans."
I didn't play close attention, but I believe he attacked about a dozen people, including some well-respected Indians. Like a rabid dog, he was impossible to reason with; he immediately bit anyone who tried. His language was profane, racist, hateful--probably enough to get him banned from Facebook.
His last (?) attack on me was on the mild side, since he didn't call me a Nazi this time:Rob Schmidt Is A Propaganda Specialist To Keep Youth Depressed & Define People While Reading In The Worst Way! Statistics Show That Children Who Read His Comic Books Have A High Suicide Rate. Fact not Fiction. He Already Got A Decade To Prove It! Boycott His Foolishness!
Boycott Blue Corn Comics - Rob Schmidt - Studies Native Americans for 20 years.
!!!!!!!!!!!!! (((((We are not his something out of a comic book))))) !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really? Statistics show that reading PEACE PARTY leads to suicide?! Yeah, because researchers have nothing better to do than study small self-publishing efforts and their effect on large populations. How stupid can you get?
Why exactly would a comic with a happy ending depress people? Why exactly would a comic with a positive message cause them to commit suicide? It's like saying coloring books, ice cream, or rainbows cause suicide. Asinine is too weak a word for it.
Indians strike back
Because of all these unwarranted attacks, Indians are fighting back. Many have reported him to Facebook for his abusive language. I think chapters of AIM and organizations concerned with Native fraud are investigating him. Someone mentioned a potential lawsuit for libel or slander. (Saying my comic books cause suicide is certainly libelous, but it's too stupid to worry about.)
Here's what Lonehunt's efforts have gotten him:
Report: Dominique Vantell LonehuntReported By: Native American Truth Squad (Pine Ridge South Dakota United States of America)
Dominique Vantell Lonehunt NATIVE CITIZEN NEWS NETWORK, Caribbean Spotlight TV, STREETFUNK TV (this is what are investigation has uncovered to date but there may be more) Black Caribbean Poses as 'Native American' in Attempt to Scam Money & Opportunity from Native American Community Internet.
*UPDATE by author: DOMINIQUE VANTELL 'LONEHUNT' also known as NATIVE CITIZEN NEWS NETWORK--MISREPRESENTS HIS ETHNICITY & Harasses, slanders & threatens regularly the Native American Community. And:We, the Native American community, are asking all Native Americans and the entire global community to disassociate themselves with Dominique Vantell 'Lonehunt' and leave the Native Citizen News Network fanpage on Facebook immediately.
If you have been slandered by Dominique Vantell Lonehunt and/or Native Citizen News Network please add your comments here and contact us if you would like to file a lawsuit against Dominique Vantell 'Lonehunt' and/or Native Citizen News Network.
See his Facebook profile here: http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001359030247 
Note: I corrected a few typos in the Ripoff Report posting.
I still don't know if Lonehunt (i.e., "Lonehunt") is a Native. I think people are assuming he isn't because there's zero evidence he is. Maybe they don't believe anyone this hateful could attack his fellow Natives.
Anyway, the Ripoff Report posting is now the no. 1 hit when you Google Lonehunt. This posting plus that should ensure that criticism of Lonehunt remains prominent as long as search engines are around. In short, you lose, dumbass. When you attack me, you reap what you sow.
For those on Facebook, the Native Citizen News Network page has a "Report Page" link on the lower left. Even if NCNN has blocked you, you can report the page to Facebook. I've done it and I encourage everyone to do it too.
We Are the World for Natives?
Rob = moral police?!
Lonehunt flamed me for a few days on the NativeCelebs page on Facebook, where I contribute. Then he returned to whatever hidey-hole he came from and I forgot about him.
A couple of weeks ago he suddenly attacked me again. This time it was on the Native Citizen News Network (NCNN) page on Facebook. This page appears to be a faux "network" run primarily or solely by Lonehunt.
Why the renewed attacks? I imagine it's because he Googled himself:
Dominique Vantell Lonehunt
And found my postings as the no. 1 and 2 hits. They're a bit lower now, but still...you can see how this would upset him. Too bad for Lonehunt: If you don't want my criticisms to be the top-ranked hits for the rest of your life, you'd better not antagonize me.
Anyway, I went to the NCNN page, corrected Lonehunt's idiotic mistakes, and put him in his place. I also challenged him to tell people his real name and tribal affiliation, if any. He refused to answer these questions--presumably because he couldn't without embarrassing himself--and continued to attack me.
As far as anyone can tell, "Lonehunt" (probably a phony "Indian name") is a young Afro-Caribbean man who fancies himself a musician. Perhaps he found a Taino princess in his background and declared himself a Native for that reason. So far there's zero evidence that he's anything but a wannabe.
Lonehunt lashes out
Then it got interesting. A few of my Facebook friends went to the NCNN page and defended me, questioned Lonehunt's identity, or criticized Lonehunt for his vitriolic language. He began attacking these people too. Indians who challenged him were sellouts or fakes; non-Indians who challenged him were wannabes or exploiters. He even attacked some of his own NCNN "fans."
I didn't play close attention, but I believe he attacked about a dozen people, including some well-respected Indians. Like a rabid dog, he was impossible to reason with; he immediately bit anyone who tried. His language was profane, racist, hateful--probably enough to get him banned from Facebook.
His last (?) attack on me was on the mild side, since he didn't call me a Nazi this time:
Boycott Blue Corn Comics - Rob Schmidt - Studies Native Americans for 20 years.
!!!!!!!!!!!!! (((((We are not his something out of a comic book))))) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why exactly would a comic with a happy ending depress people? Why exactly would a comic with a positive message cause them to commit suicide? It's like saying coloring books, ice cream, or rainbows cause suicide. Asinine is too weak a word for it.
Indians strike back
Because of all these unwarranted attacks, Indians are fighting back. Many have reported him to Facebook for his abusive language. I think chapters of AIM and organizations concerned with Native fraud are investigating him. Someone mentioned a potential lawsuit for libel or slander. (Saying my comic books cause suicide is certainly libelous, but it's too stupid to worry about.)
Here's what Lonehunt's efforts have gotten him:
Report: Dominique Vantell Lonehunt
Dominique Vantell Lonehunt NATIVE CITIZEN NEWS NETWORK, Caribbean Spotlight TV, STREETFUNK TV (this is what are investigation has uncovered to date but there may be more) Black Caribbean Poses as 'Native American' in Attempt to Scam Money & Opportunity from Native American Community Internet.
*UPDATE by author: DOMINIQUE VANTELL 'LONEHUNT' also known as NATIVE CITIZEN NEWS NETWORK--MISREPRESENTS HIS ETHNICITY & Harasses, slanders & threatens regularly the Native American Community.
If you have been slandered by Dominique Vantell Lonehunt and/or Native Citizen News Network please add your comments here and contact us if you would like to file a lawsuit against Dominique Vantell 'Lonehunt' and/or Native Citizen News Network.
See his Facebook profile here: http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001359030247
Note: I corrected a few typos in the Ripoff Report posting.
I still don't know if Lonehunt (i.e., "Lonehunt") is a Native. I think people are assuming he isn't because there's zero evidence he is. Maybe they don't believe anyone this hateful could attack his fellow Natives.
Anyway, the Ripoff Report posting is now the no. 1 hit when you Google Lonehunt. This posting plus that should ensure that criticism of Lonehunt remains prominent as long as search engines are around. In short, you lose, dumbass. When you attack me, you reap what you sow.
For those on Facebook, the Native Citizen News Network page has a "Report Page" link on the lower left. Even if NCNN has blocked you, you can report the page to Facebook. I've done it and I encourage everyone to do it too.
January 23, 2011
Trying to do more comics
People often ask what I'm up to. Here's one answer:
The last few years I've been building my empire in related fields--mostly writing about political and cultural issues--while slowly working on my comics. In the last year or so I've pushed the comics a little harder while launching other creative projects. But I could be doing more.
Blue Corn Comics should be able to develop a comics model that works. Maybe find young Native artists in colleges or programs like the Institute of American Indian Arts' and hire them cheap. Write and draw short (8-page) stories for a variety of properties: some in the PEACE PARTY universe and some not. Post them on the Web and get people excited about Native comics. Use them as tools to attract advertisers, sponsors, foundations, publishers, or studios--whoever wants to invest money in the product. If a big fish comes along and bites, we move into a serious publishing enterprise. If not, we put out a stream of low-cost, high-quality stories until we can afford to do more.
Seeking Native talent
To do this, we'll need more Native writers and artists interested in this kind of endeavor. Once again, therefore, I suggest people send me samples of or links to their work.
Read the guidelines and send material related to comics, if possible. Being skilled at one kind of writing or drawing doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to do comics. But if you're ready, submit.
The last few years I've been building my empire in related fields--mostly writing about political and cultural issues--while slowly working on my comics. In the last year or so I've pushed the comics a little harder while launching other creative projects. But I could be doing more.
Blue Corn Comics should be able to develop a comics model that works. Maybe find young Native artists in colleges or programs like the Institute of American Indian Arts' and hire them cheap. Write and draw short (8-page) stories for a variety of properties: some in the PEACE PARTY universe and some not. Post them on the Web and get people excited about Native comics. Use them as tools to attract advertisers, sponsors, foundations, publishers, or studios--whoever wants to invest money in the product. If a big fish comes along and bites, we move into a serious publishing enterprise. If not, we put out a stream of low-cost, high-quality stories until we can afford to do more.
Seeking Native talent
To do this, we'll need more Native writers and artists interested in this kind of endeavor. Once again, therefore, I suggest people send me samples of or links to their work.
Read the guidelines and send material related to comics, if possible. Being skilled at one kind of writing or drawing doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to do comics. But if you're ready, submit.
January 22, 2011
Advertisers for Native graphic novels?
I wonder whom I could get to advertise in a Native-themed graphic novel and associated website. Gaming tribes? Studios producing films such as Cowboys and Aliens and The Lone Ranger? Publishers producing books such as the Twilight series? Native film festivals such as the American Indian Film Festival? Musicians such as Jana? Makers of video games such as Turok? Native creators of youth-oriented products such as t-shirts, sneakers, or skateboards? Online galleries or stores dealing in Native arts and crafts? Native museums such as the NMAI?
Who do you think are the likeliest candidates? Any ideas?
P.S. If you're a potential advertiser, you should contact me, of course.
Who do you think are the likeliest candidates? Any ideas?
P.S. If you're a potential advertiser, you should contact me, of course.
January 01, 2011
Looking back at Indian Comics Irregular
I just published the 200th issue of Indian Comics Irregular, the newsletter I've been writing and distributing since I began publishing PEACE PARTY. In honor of this milestone, let's look back at previous milestones:
ICI #1: Animaniacs Stereotypes Indians (Nov. 1998)The cartoon show Animaniacs recently ran an episode titled Jokahontas. It was a takeoff on Disney's animated movie Pocahontas, of course. Part of the cartoon satirized Disney's many cliches--especially, having Pocahontas want to leave her safe life and explore the world, just like the Little Mermaid, Beauty, and Princess Jasmine.
But part of it satirized Indian life. The cartoon showed the Powhatan nation--actually Yakko, Wacko, and Dot, which is itself questionable--living in tipis, wearing feather bonnets, capturing a buffalo, and smoking a peace pipe. Maybe "satirize" is the wrong word, because the cartoon made no attempt to say this part of the show was false also. Viewers could reasonably conclude that despite the comical antics, Powhatans did live in tipis and wear feather bonnets, etc.
Indian stereotypes still live and breathe, even when people should know better. ICI #100: The Terminator vs. the Tribes (Oct. 2003)The focus of this newsletter has always been "the intersection of pop culture and Indian country." What better example of that than Arnold Schwarzenegger's bid to be governor of California? Schwarzenegger is running on pure celebrity, since he has no political experience or acumen to his name. Indeed, he has no plan or agenda except being "for the people" and against "special interests."
Like so many crusaders before him, Schwarzenegger's primary bogeymen are the Indians. Like a latter-day Übermensch, he'll "terminate" the bad guys for truth, justice, and the American way. How dare those money-grubbing tribes try to get rich (i.e., pull themselves out of poverty) at the expense of "real" people?
In Schwarzenegger's script for this election, Indians are the perfect movie villains. They're the heartless land barons who will foreclose on our mortgages and the half-naked savages who will scalp us in our sleep. Either way, they must be stopped.
Like the fictional Arabs and drug dealers he's fought before, Arnold's Indians are barbarians who pretend to be civilized. If the Duke isn't available to bring them to heel, he'll do the job. He'll clean up Dodge City (Sacramento) and run the varmints (gaming tribes) out of town.
If you're a Californian reading this on Oct. 7, it's not too late to send the Terminator (or should I say the Predator?) a message. Don't let a woman-groping, Hitler-admiring muscleman trample tribal sovereignty beneath his boots. We have enough problems on the national level without electing an intellectually and morally suspect frat boy as governor too.
For more on the subject, see "Have Gaming Tribes Bought California for $120 Million? No" and "Top 15 Reasons Why Indians Shouldn't Vote for Arnold Schwarzenegger" at http://www.bluecorncomics.com/120mill.htm. Comment: Schwarzenegger dropped his anti-Indian rhetoric once he was elected. Nevertheless, he proved to be as bad a governor as I expected. Go back to Hollywood, Arnold, and let a real man (Jerry Brown) do the job.
ICI #1: Animaniacs Stereotypes Indians (Nov. 1998)
But part of it satirized Indian life. The cartoon showed the Powhatan nation--actually Yakko, Wacko, and Dot, which is itself questionable--living in tipis, wearing feather bonnets, capturing a buffalo, and smoking a peace pipe. Maybe "satirize" is the wrong word, because the cartoon made no attempt to say this part of the show was false also. Viewers could reasonably conclude that despite the comical antics, Powhatans did live in tipis and wear feather bonnets, etc.
Indian stereotypes still live and breathe, even when people should know better.
Like so many crusaders before him, Schwarzenegger's primary bogeymen are the Indians. Like a latter-day Übermensch, he'll "terminate" the bad guys for truth, justice, and the American way. How dare those money-grubbing tribes try to get rich (i.e., pull themselves out of poverty) at the expense of "real" people?
In Schwarzenegger's script for this election, Indians are the perfect movie villains. They're the heartless land barons who will foreclose on our mortgages and the half-naked savages who will scalp us in our sleep. Either way, they must be stopped.
Like the fictional Arabs and drug dealers he's fought before, Arnold's Indians are barbarians who pretend to be civilized. If the Duke isn't available to bring them to heel, he'll do the job. He'll clean up Dodge City (Sacramento) and run the varmints (gaming tribes) out of town.
If you're a Californian reading this on Oct. 7, it's not too late to send the Terminator (or should I say the Predator?) a message. Don't let a woman-groping, Hitler-admiring muscleman trample tribal sovereignty beneath his boots. We have enough problems on the national level without electing an intellectually and morally suspect frat boy as governor too.
For more on the subject, see "Have Gaming Tribes Bought California for $120 Million? No" and "Top 15 Reasons Why Indians Shouldn't Vote for Arnold Schwarzenegger" at http://www.bluecorncomics.com/120mill.htm.
September 12, 2010
The economics of comic books
Here's why you don't see a lot of self-published Native comic books from Blue Corn Comics or anyone else:
Labor Day and the Cost Of Doing Business in Comics
By Glenn HaumanWhen people talk about putting regular, old-fashioned comic books online, keep that $500 in mind.
That's about how much it costs for an average page of comic book art, in terms of labor. Figure $100 for the writer, $150 for the penciller, $130 for the inker, $90 for the colorist, and $30 for the letterer.
Graphic novels? From scratch? You're looking at about 120 pages minimum--that's $60,000 in labor costs. Unless you're economizing and doing a lot of the work yourself, that's going to almost insurmountable unless it's commissioned by somebody--most writers don't have a spare $48,000 to spend on an outside artist. The Kirkman/Bendis Debates: Let’s Do the Math
By Todd AllenIf you’re interested in independent comics publishing, take a look at cost and revenue estimates and take a look at the sales charts for a few months. That’s a tight market, particularly if you live in an area with high cost of living. You’re not paying rent in Manhattan with most independent comics, if you get my drift. Comment: You can get a page of black-and-white art done for much less than the pro rates listed above. $100/page for the penciling, inking, and lettering is possible. But that's still a $12,000 outlay for a graphic novel's art before you get to the printing stage. It's a daunting barrier to entry.
For more on the subject, see Comic Books Featuring Indians.
Labor Day and the Cost Of Doing Business in Comics
By Glenn Hauman
That's about how much it costs for an average page of comic book art, in terms of labor. Figure $100 for the writer, $150 for the penciller, $130 for the inker, $90 for the colorist, and $30 for the letterer.
Graphic novels? From scratch? You're looking at about 120 pages minimum--that's $60,000 in labor costs. Unless you're economizing and doing a lot of the work yourself, that's going to almost insurmountable unless it's commissioned by somebody--most writers don't have a spare $48,000 to spend on an outside artist.
By Todd Allen
For more on the subject, see Comic Books Featuring Indians.
July 09, 2010
ICI's 1,000th subscriber
On July 3, 2010, the 1,000th person subscribed to my Indian Comics Irregular newsletter. If I do say so myself, that's quite an achievement.
The subscriber with the longest tenure joined February 1, 2000--soon after I created the IndianComicsIrregular Yahoo Group for ICI. By that time I posted the first issue--Saguarrior Pins Villainy (ICI #20, December 20, 1999)--online, the newsletter already was two years old.
So I've kept ICI going monthly for 12 years. The end of 2010 should see issue #200.
Of course, some subscribers are Asian Indians who saw the word "Indian" in the title and thought it was about them. And some of those are telemarketers who joined only to spam the group with ads. I think there's a whole contingent of Asian Indians who are paid to do nothing but post spam to blogs and forums.
But if they remain members after learning ICI is about American Indians, or after seeing I've deleted their messages unposted, that's okay by me. It's not my place to judge the motives of loyal subscribers.
Subscribers come and go, but a net of 5-10 join every month. Now we're up to 1,006. We'll see how long it takes to reach 2,000.
Below: A stereotypical B.C. comic strip from ICI #15 (August 1999).
The subscriber with the longest tenure joined February 1, 2000--soon after I created the IndianComicsIrregular Yahoo Group for ICI. By that time I posted the first issue--Saguarrior Pins Villainy (ICI #20, December 20, 1999)--online, the newsletter already was two years old.
So I've kept ICI going monthly for 12 years. The end of 2010 should see issue #200.
Of course, some subscribers are Asian Indians who saw the word "Indian" in the title and thought it was about them. And some of those are telemarketers who joined only to spam the group with ads. I think there's a whole contingent of Asian Indians who are paid to do nothing but post spam to blogs and forums.
But if they remain members after learning ICI is about American Indians, or after seeing I've deleted their messages unposted, that's okay by me. It's not my place to judge the motives of loyal subscribers.
Subscribers come and go, but a net of 5-10 join every month. Now we're up to 1,006. We'll see how long it takes to reach 2,000.
Below: A stereotypical B.C. comic strip from ICI #15 (August 1999).
May 30, 2010
My Erik Peterson interview
We get e-mail:Mr. Schmidt,
My name is Erik Peterson and I am a Master's student of English at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I am doing a research project on comic books and graphic novels written and drawn by, and featuring, Native Americans. If you have time available to answer a few questions about your work with "Peace Party," your contribution would be greatly appreciated. As you know, there are very few comic books or graphic novels that appropriately feature Native Americans and Native American issues and "Peace Party" will be a focal point of the project. I agreed to help, so here are the results:
The Q&A interviewMr. Schmidt,
First, I would like to thank you very much for your time. Your contribution to this project is greatly appreciated by myself and will hopefully become a part of a larger movement to bring graphic novels and comics written by, and featuring, Native Americans into the scope of serious scholarly consideration.
To begin, I would like to ask what inspired and led up to the creation of “Peace Party?” What brought your attention to the need for accurate Native American representation in the comic book industry? I've written about the origin of PEACE PARTY before. Basically, I was always interested in ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs and Maya. I was also an avid comic-book reader. In my teen and college years, I designed a bunch of superhero costumes, including two that looked vaguely Native.
A decade-plus later, I decided to try writing my own comic book. I thought of doing something about the Greek gods, but someone said that was old hat. I remembered reading about the Hopi ("people of peace") and realized we had our own "foreign" culture in our midst. I thought about those two costume designs and decided they'd make good Native superheroes. Writing about them would give me a chance to critique mainstream America, its cowboy-style heroes, and its self-oriented values.Do you foresee “Peace Party” breaking into a larger, mass-market? I hope it will, but I can't predict that. I'm a self-publisher who has no name-recognition factor in the comics industry. I've learned a lot of marketing tricks since I published the first two issues, but I'll need them to break through the clutter. With thousands of comics are published every month, it's almost impossible to get the public's attention as an unknown.
Nevertheless, I continue to believe there's a market for intelligent, socially-conscious comic books. The key will be reaching beyond the standard comics markets to people interested in this type of material. With a lot of work and some luck, I think it's doable.
Research and websiteWhat sort of preliminary research was conducted about the Native American tribes that are included as well as the history of the setting itself? Did you find any difficulties when approaching tribal groups in terms of the information they were openly willing to provide? I ask because I have read about and heard about instances where Native American groups are reluctant to open up to outsiders from who are attempting to research issues surrounding indigenous communities. For starters, I did years of research before I began working on the comics. As an outsider who had no special knowledge of Indians at that point, I felt it was essential to gain as much knowledge as possible. So I went to the library and read every issue of the Indian Country Today and Navajo Times newspapers. I subscribed to the Hopi Tutuveni newspaper to get the local outlook. I read novels and reference books and watched movies and documentaries. I visited the reservations in the Southwest, including the exact locations where my first story would take place.
I gingerly approached some Indians--individuals more than groups--about doing a Native-themed comic. Some doubted that a non-Indian like me could do it without stereotyping and offending their people. Others saw the need for good comics and were cautiously encouraging. A few agreed to join my Board of Advisors, which was a big confidence boost.Your Web site BlueCornComics.com provides a lot of information beyond the scope of “Peace Party.” Did one come before the other, or inspire the other? In the 1990s I was learning the power of the Internet along with everyone else. I naturally decided to create a site for my comic book.
Initially I planned to save the e-mails I wrote about PEACE PARTY and post them as content. But I kept finding connections between what I was doing and broader political, social, and cultural issues. For instance, we denigrated and stereotyped Indians for 500 years and we're doing the same with blacks, gays, immigrants, Muslims, and so forth. Our violent approach to solving the "Indian problem" is the way we approach all our problems--our "wars" on poverty, drugs, terrorism, and so forth.
I kept writing about these things, debating with people online, and I posted the material to share my thoughts. So my site kept growing with sections on PEACE PARTY, comic books, Native stereotypes, other Native subjects, stereotyping in general, multiculturalism, culture wars, violence, and war and terrorism. I've continued this approach with my Newspaper Rock blog, Facebook pages, and Twitter.
Writing about IndiansHave you received any negative reactions of “Peace Party”--from Native Americans, tribal institutions, or anyone for that matter? Have there been any negative reaction to your not being Native while still writing the subject? Alas, I don't think many people have read PEACE PARTY, so I haven't gotten many negative reactions. A couple of reviewers criticized me for being "politically correct," ignoring the fact that Indians were savages who killed each, and things like that. I don't know if any paying readers reacted negatively.
I've gotten more negative comments from my website and blog. Occasionally people will say things like, "Who are you to write about Indians? You have no idea what's it's like to be one, no right to your opinion. You don't even care about Indians, you're just trying to sell your comic book." Etc.
Ironically, people occasionally mistake me for an Indian and say things like, "Why do you hate whites/Christians/Americans? Your people lost, get over it. Quit complaining and find something productive to do." Etc.
I've been working in the Native media the last 10 years as well as building my website and blog. So now a lot of people know me and where I'm coming from. I'd say the vast majority of Indians appreciate and support my work. They understand the difference between a genuine friend and a phony who's in it for himself.In the lifetime of “Peace Party,” have you come across many other authors and artists who are working to bring up similar cultural and historical issues? Well, I was inspired by a lot of great comics. Classics such as GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW, WATCHMEN, DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and UNCANNY X-MEN. Personal favorites such as SQUADRON SUPREME, D.P. 7, CONCRETE, and EL DIABLO. But those were before the "lifetime" of PEACE PARTY.
People are still doing socially-conscious comics--for instance, Johnson and Pleece's INCOGNEGRO. But I don't see many of them, and the ones I see often aren't as good. These days the Big Two companies (Marvel and DC) aren't doing a lot of interesting things. And it's hard to keep up in general since comics are getting prohibitively expensive.
Of course, Native people are writing and drawing comics also (see below). These people tend to address the cultural and historical issues they were born with. But they reserve the right to tell mindless stories about vigilantes, vampires, and zombies too. <g>
The future of the fieldHave you met many Native American authors or artists in the graphic novel and comic book industry? Do you find a larger, multicultural field of professional authors and artists contributing to this field nevertheless? I've met a few of them in person--people such as the Healthy Aboriginal Network folks, Chad Solomon, and Arigon Starr. And I've "talked" with more online--people such as Jon Proudstar, Robby McMurtry, and Gene Gonzales. I try to keep up with everything they're doing, because it usually has an edge of authenticity.
Because of the demographics, there'll always be more non-Natives doing Native-themed comics. Some will be entertaining and enlightening, while others will be stupid and stereotypical. So you get everything from SKINWALKERS, RED PROPHET, and SCALPED to COWBOYS & ALIENS, RIPCLAW, and THE FOURTH HORSEMAN.Your Web site has been an exceptional source for information regarding Native Americans featured in comic books and graphic novels, as well as authoring them. From your well-versed perspective, how do you see the future of Native American comic books playing out? I have come across many great examples of Native American comic books, but do you see them making headway in a mass-market environment which still relies on fictionalized, clichéd image of Native Americans? Our society is growing more multicultural, and that bodes well for Native-themed comics in the long run. With the success of Avatar and the Twilight books and movies, we're getting closer to recognizing the viability of Native works. A couple of hit movies, TV shows, or comic books featuring Indians may be enough to break the market open.
Until that happens, Native creators will have the same trouble I'm having in drawing attention to our comics. Therefore, we have to work smarter and use the opportunities available to us. Market our comics through blogs and social media. Put them online, on e-book readers and cellphones, etc. Get grants and partner with tribes to tell their stories in graphic form. Convince the wealthier tribes to sponsor more arts and entertainment products, including comic books.
Despite the obstacles, the future is bright. Blockbuster movies are making comics more socially acceptable. Technology is making them easier to create and publish. And the "browning" of America is making people more receptive to the idea of Native heroes. Things can't get much worse than the stereotypical claptrap we've seen in the past, so they have to get better.
For more of my deathless words, see My Racebending Interviews and Sheyahshe and Schmidt on the Radio. For more on the subject in general, see The Best Indian Comics.
My name is Erik Peterson and I am a Master's student of English at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I am doing a research project on comic books and graphic novels written and drawn by, and featuring, Native Americans. If you have time available to answer a few questions about your work with "Peace Party," your contribution would be greatly appreciated. As you know, there are very few comic books or graphic novels that appropriately feature Native Americans and Native American issues and "Peace Party" will be a focal point of the project.
The Q&A interview
First, I would like to thank you very much for your time. Your contribution to this project is greatly appreciated by myself and will hopefully become a part of a larger movement to bring graphic novels and comics written by, and featuring, Native Americans into the scope of serious scholarly consideration.
To begin, I would like to ask what inspired and led up to the creation of “Peace Party?” What brought your attention to the need for accurate Native American representation in the comic book industry?
A decade-plus later, I decided to try writing my own comic book. I thought of doing something about the Greek gods, but someone said that was old hat. I remembered reading about the Hopi ("people of peace") and realized we had our own "foreign" culture in our midst. I thought about those two costume designs and decided they'd make good Native superheroes. Writing about them would give me a chance to critique mainstream America, its cowboy-style heroes, and its self-oriented values.
Nevertheless, I continue to believe there's a market for intelligent, socially-conscious comic books. The key will be reaching beyond the standard comics markets to people interested in this type of material. With a lot of work and some luck, I think it's doable.
Research and website
I gingerly approached some Indians--individuals more than groups--about doing a Native-themed comic. Some doubted that a non-Indian like me could do it without stereotyping and offending their people. Others saw the need for good comics and were cautiously encouraging. A few agreed to join my Board of Advisors, which was a big confidence boost.
Initially I planned to save the e-mails I wrote about PEACE PARTY and post them as content. But I kept finding connections between what I was doing and broader political, social, and cultural issues. For instance, we denigrated and stereotyped Indians for 500 years and we're doing the same with blacks, gays, immigrants, Muslims, and so forth. Our violent approach to solving the "Indian problem" is the way we approach all our problems--our "wars" on poverty, drugs, terrorism, and so forth.
I kept writing about these things, debating with people online, and I posted the material to share my thoughts. So my site kept growing with sections on PEACE PARTY, comic books, Native stereotypes, other Native subjects, stereotyping in general, multiculturalism, culture wars, violence, and war and terrorism. I've continued this approach with my Newspaper Rock blog, Facebook pages, and Twitter.
Writing about Indians
I've gotten more negative comments from my website and blog. Occasionally people will say things like, "Who are you to write about Indians? You have no idea what's it's like to be one, no right to your opinion. You don't even care about Indians, you're just trying to sell your comic book." Etc.
Ironically, people occasionally mistake me for an Indian and say things like, "Why do you hate whites/Christians/Americans? Your people lost, get over it. Quit complaining and find something productive to do." Etc.
I've been working in the Native media the last 10 years as well as building my website and blog. So now a lot of people know me and where I'm coming from. I'd say the vast majority of Indians appreciate and support my work. They understand the difference between a genuine friend and a phony who's in it for himself.
People are still doing socially-conscious comics--for instance, Johnson and Pleece's INCOGNEGRO. But I don't see many of them, and the ones I see often aren't as good. These days the Big Two companies (Marvel and DC) aren't doing a lot of interesting things. And it's hard to keep up in general since comics are getting prohibitively expensive.
Of course, Native people are writing and drawing comics also (see below). These people tend to address the cultural and historical issues they were born with. But they reserve the right to tell mindless stories about vigilantes, vampires, and zombies too. <g>
The future of the field
Because of the demographics, there'll always be more non-Natives doing Native-themed comics. Some will be entertaining and enlightening, while others will be stupid and stereotypical. So you get everything from SKINWALKERS, RED PROPHET, and SCALPED to COWBOYS & ALIENS, RIPCLAW, and THE FOURTH HORSEMAN.
Until that happens, Native creators will have the same trouble I'm having in drawing attention to our comics. Therefore, we have to work smarter and use the opportunities available to us. Market our comics through blogs and social media. Put them online, on e-book readers and cellphones, etc. Get grants and partner with tribes to tell their stories in graphic form. Convince the wealthier tribes to sponsor more arts and entertainment products, including comic books.
Despite the obstacles, the future is bright. Blockbuster movies are making comics more socially acceptable. Technology is making them easier to create and publish. And the "browning" of America is making people more receptive to the idea of Native heroes. Things can't get much worse than the stereotypical claptrap we've seen in the past, so they have to get better.
For more of my deathless words, see My Racebending Interviews and Sheyahshe and Schmidt on the Radio. For more on the subject in general, see The Best Indian Comics.
April 08, 2010
Blue Corn Comics in Pawhuska Journal-Capital
We get e-mail:Dear Mr. Schmidt,
My name is Bruce R. Jackson and I am the staff reporter of the Pawhuska Journal–Capital newspaper.
On 24MAR10, I published a feature article that covered the basics of your mission and your company. Pawhuska is in the heart of Osage country with many Native Americans and they are presently developing their symbols for their language which thus far has been written using modern American letters. I wrote the article in hopes that some connection between your publication and the Osage Nation might be mutually beneficial.
I am not Native American, but of Irish extraction and my wife is Choctaw. I hope that my article has represented you and your organization well and that the Osage will someday have a working relationship with you.
I am including a copy of my article which is drawn greatly from your website.
Respectfully,
Bruce R. Jackson
Pawhuska Journal–Capital
Staff Reporter And the article:
Blue Corn Publishing Native Americans
By Bruce R. Jackson
J–C Staff ReporterBlue Corn Comic books are catching the interest of today's jaded youth and educating them in Native American cultures.
The illustrated magazine is focused on youth of areas just like Pawhuska and Osage County in general.
Blue Corn Comics' target audience is readers of graphic literature, especially teens, young adults, and adults.
Their flagship title, “Peace Party” is an ongoing series about two young heroes who fight everything from prejudice and pollution to super-villains and the supernatural.
Their comics are aimed at those who want more sophisticated, challenging stories than those in most of today’s comic books.
Blue Corn has a board of advisors, which reviews each script and identifies any instances of inaccuracy or insensitivity to Native cultures.
Tribes that are represented include Choctaw, Free Cree, Onodowaga, Lenape, Athabascan, Nansemond, Hopi, Diné, Anishinabe, Pechanga and Cherokee.
With Osage emerging now in its newly developed written format, the opportunities for local Natives has just increased.
Since a market for such literature exists, but most of the existing products in this category are either dark and nihilistic or escapist fantasies that are difficult for Native youth to relate to, Blue Corn offers an alternative.
Only a limited few comic book titles touch upon current political, social, or cultural issues that affect their lives, families, and communities but a, according to Rob Schmidt, owner/creator and publisher, “A successful series of Native-themed graphic novels will achieve some or all of my socially-conscious objectives.”
Rob Schmidt seeks to increase awareness of Indian history, cultures, and issues among the public and especially among today's youth.
By doing that, Schmidt believes he can help counteract stereotypes of Indians as savages, nature worshipers, mystics, drunks, freeloaders, or a dying breed, and instead portray them as a complex and vibrant people.
“The educational benefits will hopefully increase reading among youths, especially Indians and other minorities, who are averse to books and other materials not geared to their specific needs and interests,” said Schmidt.
One of Schmidt’s goals is to increase the self-esteem and pride of Indian youths, who have few heroic models in today's culture to look up to and emulate.
In addition, Blue Corn Comics is determined to provide opportunities for young Indian writers, artists, and business people to explore the comic book medium.
As one of a limited number of companies who promote established Indian writers and artists through their primary title’s supplemental text features and artistic showcases.
As a promoter of diversity in the job market, Schmidt wants to provide publishing or co-publishing opportunities for Indian tribes and organizations, furnishing skills and jobs and helping to bolster their self-sufficiency.
Blue Corn and “Peace Party” are helping to stem the decline of Indian languages by publishing versions in these languages, which could be an outlet at the Pawhuska High School’s new Osage Language classes.
To serve other Indian causes and projects by producing customized versions with targeted stories for other Nations and Tribes is where the magazine is headed.
Schmidt is now trying to feed part of any profits back into Indian coffers, to help tribes and organizations enhance their economic and social development. Comment: We're still working on the PEACE PARTY graphic novel. One of these days we'll finish it.
For more on PEACE PARTY, see PEACE PARTY = "Real" Native Comic? and PEACE PARTY in Western American Literature. For more on the subject in general, see Comic Books Featuring Indians.
My name is Bruce R. Jackson and I am the staff reporter of the Pawhuska Journal–Capital newspaper.
On 24MAR10, I published a feature article that covered the basics of your mission and your company. Pawhuska is in the heart of Osage country with many Native Americans and they are presently developing their symbols for their language which thus far has been written using modern American letters. I wrote the article in hopes that some connection between your publication and the Osage Nation might be mutually beneficial.
I am not Native American, but of Irish extraction and my wife is Choctaw. I hope that my article has represented you and your organization well and that the Osage will someday have a working relationship with you.
I am including a copy of my article which is drawn greatly from your website.
Respectfully,
Bruce R. Jackson
Pawhuska Journal–Capital
Staff Reporter
Blue Corn Publishing Native Americans
By Bruce R. Jackson
J–C Staff Reporter
The illustrated magazine is focused on youth of areas just like Pawhuska and Osage County in general.
Blue Corn Comics' target audience is readers of graphic literature, especially teens, young adults, and adults.
Their flagship title, “Peace Party” is an ongoing series about two young heroes who fight everything from prejudice and pollution to super-villains and the supernatural.
Their comics are aimed at those who want more sophisticated, challenging stories than those in most of today’s comic books.
Blue Corn has a board of advisors, which reviews each script and identifies any instances of inaccuracy or insensitivity to Native cultures.
Tribes that are represented include Choctaw, Free Cree, Onodowaga, Lenape, Athabascan, Nansemond, Hopi, Diné, Anishinabe, Pechanga and Cherokee.
With Osage emerging now in its newly developed written format, the opportunities for local Natives has just increased.
Since a market for such literature exists, but most of the existing products in this category are either dark and nihilistic or escapist fantasies that are difficult for Native youth to relate to, Blue Corn offers an alternative.
Only a limited few comic book titles touch upon current political, social, or cultural issues that affect their lives, families, and communities but a, according to Rob Schmidt, owner/creator and publisher, “A successful series of Native-themed graphic novels will achieve some or all of my socially-conscious objectives.”
Rob Schmidt seeks to increase awareness of Indian history, cultures, and issues among the public and especially among today's youth.
By doing that, Schmidt believes he can help counteract stereotypes of Indians as savages, nature worshipers, mystics, drunks, freeloaders, or a dying breed, and instead portray them as a complex and vibrant people.
“The educational benefits will hopefully increase reading among youths, especially Indians and other minorities, who are averse to books and other materials not geared to their specific needs and interests,” said Schmidt.
One of Schmidt’s goals is to increase the self-esteem and pride of Indian youths, who have few heroic models in today's culture to look up to and emulate.
In addition, Blue Corn Comics is determined to provide opportunities for young Indian writers, artists, and business people to explore the comic book medium.
As one of a limited number of companies who promote established Indian writers and artists through their primary title’s supplemental text features and artistic showcases.
As a promoter of diversity in the job market, Schmidt wants to provide publishing or co-publishing opportunities for Indian tribes and organizations, furnishing skills and jobs and helping to bolster their self-sufficiency.
Blue Corn and “Peace Party” are helping to stem the decline of Indian languages by publishing versions in these languages, which could be an outlet at the Pawhuska High School’s new Osage Language classes.
To serve other Indian causes and projects by producing customized versions with targeted stories for other Nations and Tribes is where the magazine is headed.
Schmidt is now trying to feed part of any profits back into Indian coffers, to help tribes and organizations enhance their economic and social development.
For more on PEACE PARTY, see PEACE PARTY = "Real" Native Comic? and PEACE PARTY in Western American Literature. For more on the subject in general, see Comic Books Featuring Indians.
November 06, 2009
Washington DC '09 trip (Day 3)
Concluding the report begun in Washington DC '09 trip (Day 1) and Washington DC '09 trip (Day 2):
I tried to sleep Wednesday night, but I started practicing my presentation in my mind and couldn't stop. I figured I might as well practice it for real, so I got up and did so. I'd slept only about four hours since Saturday night, and it seemed another sleepless day was in store.
Richard Regan came to escort me to the Dept. of Agriculture. We connected my laptop to a projector, I had a couple bagels, and people began trickling into the auditorium.
The audience eventually reached about 150 people. Introductions were made and I gave my presentation. It went pretty well; I didn't forget or stumble over anything important. Several people came up afterward and said it was good.
We had lunch and then waited in a conference for anyone who had questions or comments. No one came and I almost dozed off waiting. Then I took the Metro back to the hotel to drop off my laptop and took it again across the Mall.
Getting into the summit
I walked from the Woodrow Wilson Plaza to the Department. of the Interior on C St. About a dozen people were praying--not protesting, they said--for Leonard Peltier in front of the building. Then they started beating a drum and unfurled a "Free Leonard" sign, which made their prayer hard to distinguish from a protest.
The politicians and tribal leaders were inside the building, while Secret Service and police personnel were outside. On Monday I had e-mailed my personal info to the White House press office to get a credential. I went up to a table and asked for my credential.
Oops, first problem. The young woman said press registration had been 8-9 am and 1-2 pm. It was now about 3 pm. I said, "What registration"? I answered the e-mail that said I'd get a credential if I sent my info. She said the registration info was in a followup e-mail they sent while I was flying to Washington. I hadn't bothered to check my e-mail because 1) I was too busy; 2) the e-mail I'd answered hadn't said anything about additional steps such as registration.
Here's a clue to clear communications, people. Don't send a series of e-mails in which you have to answer each one to find out what the next step is. Put all the instructions in the first message and each subsequent message. That way, no one will be lost if they inadvertently miss a message.
I pleaded my case to a young man named Josh. He didn't think he could do anything but said he'd try. About 45 minutes later he came back and said I was in. He had called his boss in the Secret Service who'd left the scene, and the guy apparently returned to handle my case.
Seeing the summit
I went up to the balcony where I heard the last 45 minutes or so of tribal leaders speaking to Cabinet members about health, education, and welfare issues. With my complete lack of sleep, I almost dozed off again. Not exactly compelling stuff.
An aide appeared and called all the photographers who hadn't been there in the morning. This didn't sound good, but it turned out to be great. He took three of us close to the stage so we could take pictures of Obama when he arrived.
Obama took the podium and I snapped my pix from some 50 feet away. He cut his closing remarks short to address the Ft. Hood situation--apparently his first public remarks on the tragedy. Then he left and the summit was over. (No closing speeches or ceremonies, which was a relief.)
I accompanied journalist Lise King to a reception held by Kilpatrick Stockton LLC, a law firm. We passed the front gate of the White House--the famous 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.--on the way there. The reception was your typical cocktail chitchat, so I left for the Metro and my hotel.
With the anticipation and pressure finally over, I was able to sleep 6-7 hours. In the morning I took the Metro to the airport, sat motionless in a middle plane seat for five hours, and eventually made it home. And that was my trip to the NCAI, NMAI, USDA, and tribal summit.
For more on the subject, see Speaking on Stereotypes at the Capital.
I tried to sleep Wednesday night, but I started practicing my presentation in my mind and couldn't stop. I figured I might as well practice it for real, so I got up and did so. I'd slept only about four hours since Saturday night, and it seemed another sleepless day was in store.
Richard Regan came to escort me to the Dept. of Agriculture. We connected my laptop to a projector, I had a couple bagels, and people began trickling into the auditorium.
The audience eventually reached about 150 people. Introductions were made and I gave my presentation. It went pretty well; I didn't forget or stumble over anything important. Several people came up afterward and said it was good.
We had lunch and then waited in a conference for anyone who had questions or comments. No one came and I almost dozed off waiting. Then I took the Metro back to the hotel to drop off my laptop and took it again across the Mall.
Getting into the summit
I walked from the Woodrow Wilson Plaza to the Department. of the Interior on C St. About a dozen people were praying--not protesting, they said--for Leonard Peltier in front of the building. Then they started beating a drum and unfurled a "Free Leonard" sign, which made their prayer hard to distinguish from a protest.
The politicians and tribal leaders were inside the building, while Secret Service and police personnel were outside. On Monday I had e-mailed my personal info to the White House press office to get a credential. I went up to a table and asked for my credential.
Oops, first problem. The young woman said press registration had been 8-9 am and 1-2 pm. It was now about 3 pm. I said, "What registration"? I answered the e-mail that said I'd get a credential if I sent my info. She said the registration info was in a followup e-mail they sent while I was flying to Washington. I hadn't bothered to check my e-mail because 1) I was too busy; 2) the e-mail I'd answered hadn't said anything about additional steps such as registration.
Here's a clue to clear communications, people. Don't send a series of e-mails in which you have to answer each one to find out what the next step is. Put all the instructions in the first message and each subsequent message. That way, no one will be lost if they inadvertently miss a message.
I pleaded my case to a young man named Josh. He didn't think he could do anything but said he'd try. About 45 minutes later he came back and said I was in. He had called his boss in the Secret Service who'd left the scene, and the guy apparently returned to handle my case.
Seeing the summit
I went up to the balcony where I heard the last 45 minutes or so of tribal leaders speaking to Cabinet members about health, education, and welfare issues. With my complete lack of sleep, I almost dozed off again. Not exactly compelling stuff.
An aide appeared and called all the photographers who hadn't been there in the morning. This didn't sound good, but it turned out to be great. He took three of us close to the stage so we could take pictures of Obama when he arrived.
Obama took the podium and I snapped my pix from some 50 feet away. He cut his closing remarks short to address the Ft. Hood situation--apparently his first public remarks on the tragedy. Then he left and the summit was over. (No closing speeches or ceremonies, which was a relief.)
I accompanied journalist Lise King to a reception held by Kilpatrick Stockton LLC, a law firm. We passed the front gate of the White House--the famous 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.--on the way there. The reception was your typical cocktail chitchat, so I left for the Metro and my hotel.
With the anticipation and pressure finally over, I was able to sleep 6-7 hours. In the morning I took the Metro to the airport, sat motionless in a middle plane seat for five hours, and eventually made it home. And that was my trip to the NCAI, NMAI, USDA, and tribal summit.
For more on the subject, see Speaking on Stereotypes at the Capital.
November 04, 2009
Washington DC '09 trip (Day 1)
After sleeping only two hours Sunday night, I couldn't get to sleep at all Monday. Too much anxiety over my upcoming trip.
At 4:30 am I headed to the airport. One good thing about getting up that early is that the place is almost empty. My only complaint is that LAX doesn't have free Wi-Fi. They have it, but they charge you for it.
My flight to Washington (with a stop in Chicago) was smooth and uneventful. Richard Regan, the diversity specialist at the Department of Agriculture who invited me, met me at the airport. We took the Metro train back to L'Enfant Plaza, and I checked into my hotel. Then we had something to eat at Vie de France, a nearby sandwich shop.
I learned Regan, who seems like a good ol' Southern boy as well as a Lumbee Indian, is a real rabble-rouser. He files grievances and helps others do the same whenever discrimination breaks out at the USDA. He's kind of like I would be if I worked in a government agency--except I couldn't play politics well and would get fired quickly.
Then I took the Metro to Dupont Circle and walked to the NCAI's new embassy building on P St. Although the festivities were almost over, the building was still packed. Among the notables I saw were Billy Frank, Ernie Stevens Jr., Mark and Holly Cook Macarro, and Lise King. Eventually the crowds thinned out and I headed back to the Metro and my hotel.
For more on the subject, see Speaking on Stereotypes at the Capital.
At 4:30 am I headed to the airport. One good thing about getting up that early is that the place is almost empty. My only complaint is that LAX doesn't have free Wi-Fi. They have it, but they charge you for it.
My flight to Washington (with a stop in Chicago) was smooth and uneventful. Richard Regan, the diversity specialist at the Department of Agriculture who invited me, met me at the airport. We took the Metro train back to L'Enfant Plaza, and I checked into my hotel. Then we had something to eat at Vie de France, a nearby sandwich shop.
I learned Regan, who seems like a good ol' Southern boy as well as a Lumbee Indian, is a real rabble-rouser. He files grievances and helps others do the same whenever discrimination breaks out at the USDA. He's kind of like I would be if I worked in a government agency--except I couldn't play politics well and would get fired quickly.
Then I took the Metro to Dupont Circle and walked to the NCAI's new embassy building on P St. Although the festivities were almost over, the building was still packed. Among the notables I saw were Billy Frank, Ernie Stevens Jr., Mark and Holly Cook Macarro, and Lise King. Eventually the crowds thinned out and I headed back to the Metro and my hotel.
For more on the subject, see Speaking on Stereotypes at the Capital.
October 26, 2009
Falmouth language summit (Day 2)
Day 2 of my trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the Falmouth Institute's Native Language Preservation Summit. (Here's my report for Day 1.)
Morning
I got up at the ungodly hour of 5 am to practice my speech. It was the first time I'd gone through the whole thing. Better late than never.
Since the Falmouth Institute didn't give us a schedule, I showed up at the event 8 am. I figured there'd be a lot of drinking coffee, eating pastries (actually muffins), and sitting around with strangers until 9 am. But this could've been the rare conference that actually starts at 8:00 or 8:30 am, so I couldn't take a chance and be late.
There were about 30 attendees. Another 15 or so badges went unclaimed. The people were mostly older women, with only 3-4 people under 40.
Curiously, I think of the youngsters as my peers, but I'm probably older than several of the "old" women. Yikes.
Dr. Jon Allan Reyhner gave the keynote address. It was an overview of 20th century Indian history: the policies of assimilation and termination, and the need for language and culture to preserve Indian nations. It was okay, but probably nothing the attendees didn't know already.
Perhaps the most interesting thing he said was that he spoke in Canada and called the Natives there "Indians" rather than First Nations people. They reacted as if he'd called them the N-word. I've heard Canadians disapprove of or scorn the word "Indians," but this is the strongest reaction I've come across.
Too bad American Indians prefer the term "Indians" and outnumber Canadian Indians by 2-1 or 3-1. Given America's media dominance, there's no way Canada will win this war of words.
The next sessions didn't look that interesting, so I left to do some exploring and photographing. I got a van ride to Fort McDowell's golf course, then walked to the bridge, the highway, down to the casino entrance, and back to the hotel. All in my good clothes! Fortunately the day wasn't too hot and a breeze was blowing.
Afternoon
My speech was the first one after lunch. The woman who organized the summit operated my presentation for me and nodded encouragingly at everything I said. Otherwise the audience's blank stares would've flustered me.
And...I survived! I didn't stumble as much as I expected to, so I guess it went better than I thought it would. True, one woman in the audience appeared to be nodding off. But a few people came up to me afterward to talk, which I took as a sign of approval. They even indicated that they or someone they knew might be interested in doing Native comics.
I had briefly mentioned the possibility of playing Scrabble or other games in Native languages. Afterward, one attendee said her tribe's students play "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" with a gift certificate as a prize. Another attendee said her tribe's students play "Jeopardy."
I stayed for the presentation on FirstVoices.org by Shaylene Boechler, but skipped the final afternoon sessions. I went back to the hotel, changed, and took the van into Fountain Hills for more exploring and photographing.
The town's community center has an art park with a couple dozen sculptures. That was enough to keep me busy for a couple hours. I love public art.
I walked through town to the aptly-named Avenue of the Fountains. I reached the central park with the lake and the world's fourth (?) highest fountain in time for the 5 pm show. As the sun set, I returned to the hotel in time to capture the gorgeous colors on "film."
Evening
This time I made sure to hit the casino's buffet before it closed. I had four plates full of food and a dish of ice cream before they removed everything and closed up. That was just enough to fill me up.
I must've walked five miles and I was feeling it. I went to bed at the relatively early hour of 11 pm. And that's the story for Monday, Oct. 26.
Morning
I got up at the ungodly hour of 5 am to practice my speech. It was the first time I'd gone through the whole thing. Better late than never.
Since the Falmouth Institute didn't give us a schedule, I showed up at the event 8 am. I figured there'd be a lot of drinking coffee, eating pastries (actually muffins), and sitting around with strangers until 9 am. But this could've been the rare conference that actually starts at 8:00 or 8:30 am, so I couldn't take a chance and be late.
There were about 30 attendees. Another 15 or so badges went unclaimed. The people were mostly older women, with only 3-4 people under 40.
Curiously, I think of the youngsters as my peers, but I'm probably older than several of the "old" women. Yikes.
Dr. Jon Allan Reyhner gave the keynote address. It was an overview of 20th century Indian history: the policies of assimilation and termination, and the need for language and culture to preserve Indian nations. It was okay, but probably nothing the attendees didn't know already.
Perhaps the most interesting thing he said was that he spoke in Canada and called the Natives there "Indians" rather than First Nations people. They reacted as if he'd called them the N-word. I've heard Canadians disapprove of or scorn the word "Indians," but this is the strongest reaction I've come across.
Too bad American Indians prefer the term "Indians" and outnumber Canadian Indians by 2-1 or 3-1. Given America's media dominance, there's no way Canada will win this war of words.
The next sessions didn't look that interesting, so I left to do some exploring and photographing. I got a van ride to Fort McDowell's golf course, then walked to the bridge, the highway, down to the casino entrance, and back to the hotel. All in my good clothes! Fortunately the day wasn't too hot and a breeze was blowing.
Afternoon
My speech was the first one after lunch. The woman who organized the summit operated my presentation for me and nodded encouragingly at everything I said. Otherwise the audience's blank stares would've flustered me.
And...I survived! I didn't stumble as much as I expected to, so I guess it went better than I thought it would. True, one woman in the audience appeared to be nodding off. But a few people came up to me afterward to talk, which I took as a sign of approval. They even indicated that they or someone they knew might be interested in doing Native comics.
I had briefly mentioned the possibility of playing Scrabble or other games in Native languages. Afterward, one attendee said her tribe's students play "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" with a gift certificate as a prize. Another attendee said her tribe's students play "Jeopardy."
I stayed for the presentation on FirstVoices.org by Shaylene Boechler, but skipped the final afternoon sessions. I went back to the hotel, changed, and took the van into Fountain Hills for more exploring and photographing.
The town's community center has an art park with a couple dozen sculptures. That was enough to keep me busy for a couple hours. I love public art.
I walked through town to the aptly-named Avenue of the Fountains. I reached the central park with the lake and the world's fourth (?) highest fountain in time for the 5 pm show. As the sun set, I returned to the hotel in time to capture the gorgeous colors on "film."
Evening
This time I made sure to hit the casino's buffet before it closed. I had four plates full of food and a dish of ice cream before they removed everything and closed up. That was just enough to fill me up.
I must've walked five miles and I was feeling it. I went to bed at the relatively early hour of 11 pm. And that's the story for Monday, Oct. 26.
August 14, 2009
PEACE PARTY = "real" Native comic?
Regarding my search for Native people and products at Comic-Con, an anonymous commenter had this to say:Ah you missed one big one: "Rob Schmidt's Peace Party: The only and real Native American comic! Any other work that features Native Americans (in the past, present or future) are fake, insane, stereotypical, morbid, wrong, ugly and WHITE. Only us are the real ones, see us on booth 453. BUY NOW! WHITE CASH IS WELCOME :)" My response:
Wow. It's always amazing to see how much stupidity someone can pack into a few sentences.
I sure hope this cowardly comment isn't from writer Jason Aaron, who was upset when I criticized his Native portrayals in SCALPED. So upset that he dropped out after losing a couple of debates with me. But I digress.
Let's go through the idiocies in this comment one by one:
For starters, I didn't miss anything, since PEACE PARTY wasn't on sale at Comic-Con. You can bet that I would've mentioned it if it was. <g>
Everyone except this moron knows that I'm not Native and I've never claimed PEACE PARTY was "real." About the only thing I've claimed is that it's as authentic as I could make it as a non-Native outsider. Whether that's good enough is for Natives and other readers to determine, not me.
In the past I've worried publicly that my use of supernatural magic made PEACE PARTY a bit stereotypical. For every worry that I've aired publicly, I've probably had five or ten in private. I could post several old e-mails to prove my trepidations at tackling a Native-themed comic book.
After checking my blog, I find that I mention PEACE PARTY maybe once a month, in passing. I can't remember the last time I urged someone to buy one of the few remaining copies. In other words, if I'm trying to sell PEACE PARTY, I'm doing a poor job of it. A pushy peddler would put "Buy PEACE PARTY" notices all over Newspaper Rock and in every posting.
"Insane" and "morbid" must be references to my SCALPED criticism, although I don't recall using those words. In fact, I don't recall using those words to describe any comics. As I told Aaron, I don't have a problem with dark, Sopranos-style stories. My problem is with stupid, fake, and ugly Native stereotypes. Aaron never quite understood this distinction, but I trust Newspaper Rock's readers are more discerning.
Ironically, Anonymous posted his comment the same day I praised the obscure comic book REDLAW. In fact, I praise Native-themed comics by Native and non-Native creators alike whenever they're good. My Indian Comics page has a reasonably long list of highly recommended Native-themed comics. And it's not hard to name others that are pretty good--e.g., TRIBAL FORCE, TALES OF THE CHEROKEE, and THE ADVENTURES OF RABBIT AND BEAR PAWS. Even SCALPED is worth reading except for its Native stereotypes.
In short...you're wrong, Anonymous. Almost every word of your gratuitous attack is badly, laughably wrong. Thanks for brightening my day with the stupidest comment I've received in weeks, chum(p).
P.S. You'll be glad to know that I'm working slowly but surely on the PEACE PARTY graphic novel, Anonymous. I hope it'll be done sometime in 2010. If we're lucky, it may be on sale at the next Comic-Con. You can pick up your copy then. <g>
Wow. It's always amazing to see how much stupidity someone can pack into a few sentences.
I sure hope this cowardly comment isn't from writer Jason Aaron, who was upset when I criticized his Native portrayals in SCALPED. So upset that he dropped out after losing a couple of debates with me. But I digress.
Let's go through the idiocies in this comment one by one:
In short...you're wrong, Anonymous. Almost every word of your gratuitous attack is badly, laughably wrong. Thanks for brightening my day with the stupidest comment I've received in weeks, chum(p).
P.S. You'll be glad to know that I'm working slowly but surely on the PEACE PARTY graphic novel, Anonymous. I hope it'll be done sometime in 2010. If we're lucky, it may be on sale at the next Comic-Con. You can pick up your copy then. <g>
March 12, 2009
Sheyahshe and Schmidt on the radio
Last week I did another interview for Beyond the Grassy Knoll, an Internet radio station. Michael Sheyahshe, author of Native Americans in Comic Books, fills us in:
Radio InterviewRob Schmidt, creator of the Peace Party comic book, and I were recently interviewed for a radio program out of Florida about Indigenous people in comic books and comic book mythology, in general. The show is called, "Beyond the Grassy Knoll," and while I'm not entirely sure what their website is all about, they certainly have a lot of theories...about everything.
However, the host was very polite and seemed to be genuinely interested in how Native people are portrayed in comics--plus, it was good to have a dialogue between Schmidt and myself.
Click the link below for the radio interview (running time--59:10):
http://beyondthegrassyknoll.com/audio/sheyahshe-schmidt.mp3 Comment: As usual, I recommend downloading this and listening to it while you're doing something else--e.g., commuting or exercising.
For more on the subject, see Rob Goes "Beyond the Grassy Knoll."
Radio Interview
However, the host was very polite and seemed to be genuinely interested in how Native people are portrayed in comics--plus, it was good to have a dialogue between Schmidt and myself.
Click the link below for the radio interview (running time--59:10):
http://beyondthegrassyknoll.com/audio/sheyahshe-schmidt.mp3
For more on the subject, see Rob Goes "Beyond the Grassy Knoll."
December 01, 2008
Writing for Newspaper Rock
I welcome people, especially Native people, to share their thoughts in this blog. I'm glad whenever someone offers a novel perspective in the comments section. In fact, sometimes the comments are more interesting or insightful than my original postings. ;-)
Now consider this: Instead of posting your thoughts as comments, e-mail them to me. If I think they'll work as standalone blog items, I'll post them with your byline. I'll link them back to the original postings, so you won't lose the commenting effect. This will add diversity to my blog and expose your writing to more people.
Whenever I'm writing a comment and it starts approaching 5-6 paragraphs, I start thinking about whether it would work as a standalone blog item. As you've seen in the Johnny Depp and Twilight debates, I'll continue a thread by posting a new item on the subject rather than commenting on an old item. I encourage you to think along these lines too.
A caveat: Sometimes I'm slow to respond to my e-mail. If you don't hear from me in a few days, you can go ahead and post the item as a comment. But if you wait, many of your comments will end up as standalone blog items. More people will read and appreciate them that way.
Now consider this: Instead of posting your thoughts as comments, e-mail them to me. If I think they'll work as standalone blog items, I'll post them with your byline. I'll link them back to the original postings, so you won't lose the commenting effect. This will add diversity to my blog and expose your writing to more people.
Whenever I'm writing a comment and it starts approaching 5-6 paragraphs, I start thinking about whether it would work as a standalone blog item. As you've seen in the Johnny Depp and Twilight debates, I'll continue a thread by posting a new item on the subject rather than commenting on an old item. I encourage you to think along these lines too.
A caveat: Sometimes I'm slow to respond to my e-mail. If you don't hear from me in a few days, you can go ahead and post the item as a comment. But if you wait, many of your comments will end up as standalone blog items. More people will read and appreciate them that way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)