Angelo Delos Trinos from CBR has taken it upon himself to belittle several groundbreaking comic book runs, claiming they have aged poorly. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is essential to approach these critiques with a discerning eye and a deep understanding of the historical context in which these comics were created. Just as we celebrate the enduring brilliance of William Shakespeare's works, despite their imperfect alignment with our modern sensibilities, we must afford the same respect to these iconic comic book runs.
Trinos argues that Action Comics #1, the inaugural issue of Superman, is tedious and lacking in moral complexity. However, it is important to remember that this comic was the cornerstone of the superhero genre. While perhaps simpler by today's standards, Superman's portrayal embodied the spirit of justice and became an emblem of hope for generations of readers. Moreover, it is worth noting that Superman's crusade extended beyond thwarting supervillains; he fearlessly confronted corrupt politicians and slum lords, resonating profoundly with the social justice issues that persist in our modern world.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, penned by the esteemed Alan Moore, is casually dismissed by Trinos for purportedly indulging in Moore's pitfalls and featuring elements of sexual violence and politically incorrect tropes. However, such a cursory assessment fails to acknowledge the audacious brilliance of this series. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen boldly brought together iconic literary characters, transcending their one-dimensional origins and offering a fresh perspective. It compelled readers to question societal norms and sparked critical conversations about the biases ingrained in the source material. Rather than dismiss it out of hand, we should embrace the series' daring exploration of character depth and thematic complexity.
Trinos labels Garth Ennis's Preacher as an insufferable soapbox and juvenile self-indulgence. Such derisive remarks fail to recognize this series's significant contributions during the '90s. Preacher courageously broke away from the cookie-cutter superhero mold, introducing readers to a gritty, countercultural narrative that defied conventions. Ennis's investment in the series lent it an authentic voice, exploring themes rarely seen in mainstream comics at the time. While some may recoil at its unfiltered expression, dismissing Preacher as juvenile fails to appreciate its subversive brilliance and lasting impact on the medium.
Alan Moore's Miracleman faces similar condemnation from Trinos, who accuses it of excessive violence, sex, and darkness. Yet, we must acknowledge the groundbreaking nature of Miracleman's deconstruction of traditional superhero tropes. Moore fearlessly explored the moral complexities of ultimate power and its consequences, challenging the established norms of the genre. The initial shock that Trinos identifies as monotonous merely reflects the subsequent assimilation of Miracleman's deconstructive impact by later works. However, we should applaud Moore for daring to venture into uncharted territory and sparking a critical reevaluation of superheroes' place in popular culture.
The dismissive tone of Trinos's critique extends to Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, which he derides as a mere manifesto reflecting Miller's personal beliefs. Such reductionism must acknowledge this seminal work's significant influence on reimagining Batman's character and shaping the Dark Age of Comics. The Dark Knight Returns delved into societal issues such as crime, corruption, and societal decay, challenging readers to question the boundaries of justice and the complexities of vigilantism. While it is true that Miller's subsequent works and political opinions may have colored perceptions, we cannot overlook this masterpiece's enduring impact and cultural significance.
It is important to note that Angelo Delos Trinos's critique appears to be heavily influenced by his subjective ideological viewpoints regarding the modern world. While it is understandable to approach art from a critical perspective, it is equally crucial to exercise objectivity and consider the significance of these works within the industry and the medium as an art form. By disregarding the historical context and the transformative impact these comic book classics had on shaping the landscape, Trinos's assessment becomes limited in scope. It needs to appreciate the enduring legacy and cultural significance they hold fully.
In conclusion, Trinos's attempt to diminish this historic comic book run must be revised to appreciate its enduring legacy and cultural impact. While it is valid to analyze and critique works from the past, it is essential to approach them with an understanding of the historical context and the transformative role they played in shaping the medium. Just as we continue to appreciate the works of William Shakespeare despite their divergence from our contemporary ideals, these comic book classics deserve recognition for their pioneering contributions. Through a nuanced examination, we can fully appreciate the timelessness of these historical runs and their profound influence on the comic book landscape.
Reference link to Angelo's Article can be found here: https://www.cbr.com/innovative-genre-changing-comics-aged-badly/#action-comics-1-featured-superman-at-his-most-simplistic