Miraculous books like this make me want to add a sub-shelf to my Goodreads LBGTQ shelf, called "They actually kiss in this".
It is sad and really not at all surprising that, even today, a lot of the media we consume which boasts of content exploring various sexual orientations, in fact use nothing more than the dreadful and offensive queerbaiting technique, or otherwise resort to subtext: safe, risk-free options whilst still placing heterosexual pairings in the spotlight. And the need to bury the "Bury Your Gays" trope has never been more vital and cannot be ignored any longer. In an age of so-called "progress" and tolerance, the message, though likely unconscious on the writer's part, is nevertheless there in most media: "I and quite a majority of people still think you are wrong for existing. We might intentionally add in a little sexual tension between characters of the same sex, but that's for fanservice only, and we will never really have the secure balls to go anywhere with it, much less commit to a same-sex coupling. So it'll be death, or teasing played for laughs at your expense. No happy ending for you either way. I mean, you're only a very small minority, right? Ain't we progressive? Why aren't you people ever satisfied? Bye!"
Yet here comes a comic for children - a continuation of a Nickelodeon cartoon - that features two bisexual, biracial main female leads kissing each other. On the lips. More than once. It also doesn't ignore or gloss over issues such as coming out to family and friends, and how the couple will work together both internally and externally with all the dangers they face. There is a history of same-sex relationships and how they are viewed in the different nations of the 'Avatar' world, to add to the worldbuilding that couldn't be aired on TV.
'The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars Part One' portrays a more thoughtful, heartfelt and especially explicit LBGTQ relationship than any media for adults I have seen in a long, long time. Just thinking about how gratifying this little comic book could be for any young person reading and who is discovering their feelings regarding own their sexuality that is outside of conservative heteronormality, and working out any confusion, gives me hope for the future. It turns out that in the beloved, fantastical, Asian culture-influenced world of 'The Legend of Korra', most people are accepting of who you are, and who you love. So there shouldn't be any shame or fear of stigma or hate or ignorance anywhere in the real world.
So, yeah, Korrasami! Michael Dante Di Martino promised and delivered beautifully. What I didn't get from the original series, which I am not a gigantic fan of but loved aspects of the last two seasons, I got in 'Turf Wars'. No subtext, no poor, barely-there development to leave me cold: Korra and Asami are officially a couple.
In a plot about turf conflicts (obviously), and tensions between humans and spirits made to coexist, along with themes concerning homelessness, refugees and relocation, this comic's main focus is setting the introduction of the relationship between the headstrong and impulsive Avatar Korra, and the calm, levelheaded and no less determined industrialist and property developer Asami Sato. How they go about it and what it entails. They care for other people in their plights, as well as for each other. It is incredibly sweet.
To see what the graphic novel business has achieved in 2017 what animation aimed at families (and adults, for that matter, at least in a mature way) hasn't quite yet...again, am I too hopeful a sod? Not even in 2016's 'Princess Princess Ever After', which I love, do the main queer characters kiss. This and 'Zodiac Starforce' are huge steps forward.
'The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars Part One' is a very good book in other parts. The artwork is excellent and pretty to look at, capturing the feel of the show identically, if not better. There is action, politics ("I bet if spirits could vote, you'd change your tune!" Korra yells at the disgraced Republic City president), and the other women of 'The Legend of Korra' receive their due, even if they are cameos: the world's best organiser Zhu Li, my favourite little spirit guide Jinora, Chief Lin BeiFong, and the wonderful Kya. Not everybody gets to appear in the 80 pages of Part One, but we shall see in the sequels.
Another thing I find interesting is the revelation that Fire Lord Sozin had decreed a ban on same-sex relationships during his reign. Seeing as he clearly had feelings for Avatar Roku in the original 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' show, I interpret this as both an expression of denial (linked with self-hated and shame; aka internalised homophobia) and a further kind of punishment for Roku, for the unrequited love in this instance.
Spoiler:
Also, Mako's reaction to Korra and Asami coming out is...different, less enthusiastic than everyone else's. Given that he had dated both girls and screwed them over more than once, maybe, on an unconscious level, he views this resolution to the infamous love triangle as a threat to his manhood? A karmic middle finger to him? Again, perhaps this will be explored in the sequels. I hope the writers can still make him interesting without involving anything related to romance.
Spoiler End.
'Turf Wars Part One' misses a point for being too short and not enough characters getting a chance to shine. But it is early days.
Recommended to 'Korra' and non-'Korra' fans alike. To people who love fantasy - spirits, dragons, fantasy action, a diverse array of female characters; as well as race and queer representation this is a dream come true for me - and to people who desperately want to see a glimpse of a bright, hopeful future. For children are our future.
Final Score: 4/5
No comments:
Post a Comment