I’m glad this publisher has given me the opportunity to read most of their late summer and autumn catalogue of works. They opened my eyes to what anyone can be capable of. While the focus is on what these writers with First Nations upbringing can imagine up, I really enjoyed their takes on life, how to change for the better, and be more humane to one another.
For example, the Reckoner Rises (review) series shows teens coming together and learning how to use their mutant (superhero) abilities to take on the establishment. Not every graphic novel released are as simple as that. They just tackle social issues everyone should be aware of. After the discovery of a mass grave in Kamloops, the theme of how to heal and do better for a rewarding future will always be a theme. That aspect is central to what the Surviving the City series (review) is about.
While the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (taking place Sept 30th) is a good way to change the world’s attitudes, I wonder if that’s enough. This day concerns giving power to those who survived the Canadian residential school system. Although the stat holiday is young, it should one day expand to include recognising similar atrocities to cultures that too survived Colonialism. There’s the genocide that nearly wiped out the Mayan culture and the question if the Aztecs lost their identity due to the Spanish coming to the Americas and desire to conquer than unite. Although the relationships between countries are civil these days, no formal apologies were made and no day of respect emerged. I also feel for the Aboriginal Australians and the turmoil they went through.
After a busy time looking at Victoria Fringe Festival, I’ve been catching up with this publisher’s other releases, and really enjoyed how Little by Little shows how the power of words can inspire. Young Michael gets to become more than an angel. After reading Animanthropes, a book about change, he’s empowered to do what he can for the betterment of the everyman. After witnessing other students get bullied–uncertain whether he should help–he learns when to get involved and when not to. As someone who is not “white,” to grow up as someone from a visible minority isn’t without challenges too.
And this is something he’ll accept; when he speaks up, especially at a youth conference, he soon gets respect. It’s a story by Sonya Ballantyne that’s very empowering and encouraging. Although Rhael McGregor and Toben Racicot‘s artwork isn’t as different as other books from this publisher, that’s because I find the protagonists in this paired reading look and behave similarly, albeit with different hairstyles.
The Rez Doctor is a lot more engaging since it shows the struggles of a child who wants to be a doctor. Gitz Crazyboy crafted a great story that recognises how to blend traditional medicine with modern to heal the spirit. And it’s very encouraging for those who don’t know what to do with their lives. When not everyone at school believes in Ryan, he has to work harder to achieve his dreams! The vices are ironically represented by what can set him back when he parties it up with his white man peers too much. When he meets the girl of his dreams, has a family before he even gets residency at a clinic, life is harder. But through the support of everyone, he achieves his dreams and also encourages others to do the same.
I find the stories are easier to rate than the art, as the visuals have to enforce what the tale wants to home in on. We find characters who may seem naïve at first, but as they age, they become confident. Little by Little shows how a young boy will grow up to be an outspoken community leader, and The Rez Doctor shows a different path. These graphic novels are shining examples of humanitarianism at its best, and it’ll be interesting to look at what this publisher has planned next!