We all know that comics are wonderful, escapist entertainment. Every once in a while, however; a comic comes along that offers more than just mindless entertainment. Yes, reading some comics can make you feel like you are learning something. (I mean something besides the "facts" that radiation gives you super-powers and that zombies like brains.) Now don't get scared by the "L" word! Learning stuff can be fun AND good for you.
Orson Scott Card's Red Prophet: Tales of Alvin Maker #2 (hitherto referred to as Red Prophet) by Card, Roland Brown and Renato Arlem, is a great example of what I'm talking about here. After reading this comic, adapted from Card's novel, I really felt like I had brushed up on my American history. Though the story is clearly fictional, and contains some fantasy elements, I'm confident that Card did his research on history and native beliefs before writing this tale.
The story of Red Prophet takes place during the Western Expansion phase of America's development. In particular, it deals with the clash of cultures between the indigenous Americans and the European American settlers. In retrospect, we know that even the best intentioned pioneers had a disastrous impact on Native Americans (and those with bad intentions were, of course, infinitely worse). This story shows how different settlers, in different ways, really messed things up for the folks who were already living on this land.
After the murder of his father, young Lolla-Wossiky is never quite the same. He was always more sensitive and in-tune with the land than others, but witnessing such a violent, personal tragedy heightens that sensitivity to an overpowering and painful extent. Lolla-Wossiky sees and hears things that others don't. Things that can only be quieted with lots of alcohol. When he takes a keg of whiskey and heads off across the land to meet his dream beast, will Lolla-Wossiky find answers or just more confusing questions?
Red Prophet has a satisfying, thought-provoking story and realistic art that perfectly captures the historical setting. Best of all, you can learn something WITHOUT a keg of whiskey and a hundred mile walk! Try out Red Prophet while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week.
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