indie box: Tales of the Cherokee

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black and white, Cherokee, creation myth, first issue, Gene Gonzales, indie box, Indie Comics, Mandalay Books, Native American Myths, Native Americans, Tales of the Cherokee

Today’s pick from the box of indie and small-press comics is Tales of the Cherokee. Let’s have a look at Gene Gonzales’ illustrated version of the Cherokee creation myth in “How the World Was Made.” Dig that splash page featuring the worlds above and below!

Below is another tale, a Cherokee love story Gene calls “The Origin of Strawberries.”

Collector’s Guide:
– From Tales of the Cherokee #1, Mandalay Books 2001.

To see current works by Gene Gonzales, visit
http://www.genegonzales.com and http://www.genegonzales.blogspot.com

Cornplanter!

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Cornplanter, Native Americans, Sgt Rock, war, war comics

“Warrior” is an interesting short piece about a Native American named Cornplanter from DC’s Sgt. Rock. Wikipedia has an article about Cornplanter where you can learn more. This page has no artist or writer credits. If you know who produced this, please comment!

Collector’s Guide: From Sgt. Rock #347; DC Comics, 1980.

1963: A Salute to Our American Indians!

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National Human Services Assembly, National Social Welfare Assembly, Native Americans

This public service announcement from the National Social Welfare Assembly appears in an old issue of DC’s The Brave and The Bold. It reminds young readers that Native Americans had their own thing going on before Europeans landed in North America to wipe out millennia of indigenous culture. Although, it kind of glosses over that part…

Here in the 21st century, some readers will cringe at the use of the term “American Indian.” But, that was the language in 1963. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 hadn’t even been passed at that time, and our country was still mired in centuries-old traditions of racism. You have to give some credit to the NSWA for at least attempting to broaden cultural horizons in a positive way. That organization doesn’t seem to run comic book ads anymore, but now goes by the name National Human Services Assembly.

Western Tales #31: Davy Crockett by Jack Kirby!

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Davy Crockett, Harvey Comics, Jack Kirby, Native Americans, Texas Rangers, western, Western Tales

Today we’ll share with you Jack Kirby and Joe Simon’s vision of Davy Crockett. Yes, we prefer science fiction and crime stories, but it’s interesting to see the King’s take on an American Western legend. Simon and Kirby collaborated on #31-33 of Western Tales. Supplemental material includes instructions on riding horses and making war rattles, and a piece on the Texas Rangers.

Collector’s Guide: From Western Tales #31; 1955, Harvey Comics.

Visitors from Space: The Comets!

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Aurora Borelias, Comet, golden age, Lost Worlds, Native Americans, Northern Lights, Visitors from Space

Two short educational pages from the golden age science fiction comic Lost Worlds. In one, we learn about the mysterious “visitors from space” — comets! Also, the low-down on the aurora borealis or “northern lights”.

Collector’s Guide: From Lost Worlds #5. 1952, Standard Comics.

Lost Worlds ran only two issues: #5 and #6.

I Suppose You’ll Torture Me!

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Ace Magazines, golden age, Indian Braves, Native Americans

We’re not really sure what to make of 1951’s Indian Braves #3 by Ace magazines. On the one hand, the characterization of the indigenous peoples of America seems a bit trite, not to mention slanted. On the other hand, the historical footnotes do serve an educational purpose. And, the treacheries of the colonists and the British Army are pretty clear.

At their best, the narrative stories attain a kind of primitive Dances With Wolves vibe — a real neat story for boys, with some garbled facts on native culture. But you don’t need us to play thought police. You can judge for yourself right here.

Courtesy of the Digital Comic Museum.

Give Me Your Torch!

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dinosaur, dinosaur comics, Native Americans, Turok Son of Stone

Here is some dinosaur adventure from Turok Son of Stone #130, Whitman Variant. What Turok lacks in cultural sophistication, it makes up for in page after page of rampaging dinosaur battle! See for yourself.

At Last! We Made It to the Poison Berries!

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dinosaur, dinosaur comics, Native Americans, Turok, Turok Son of Stone

Here is some dinosaur adventure from Turok Son of Stone #130, Whitman Variant. What Turok lacks in cultural sophistication, it makes up for in page after page of rampaging dinosaur battle! See for yourself.

Recuerden El Alamo!

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Alamo, black and white, Fantagraphics, indie box, Indie Comics, Jaxon, Juan N. Seguin, Juan Seguin, Mexico, Native Americans, Recuerden el Alamo, Texas

Recuerden el Alamo! presents the true story of Juan N. Sequin and his fight for Texas Independence. This intensively-researched historical comic book by artist Jaxon provides the reader with new insights into the history of Texas and Mexico. Maps and supplemental text, all hand-drawn and written, help bring the story to life. Here are a few samples. Published by Fantagraphics.