A world on literal fire. Looming war in the Middle East. How about an unstoppable epidemic to add to the civilisation-ending mix? That’s the premise of comic book miniseries The Clock, a promising new sci-fi thriller from writer Matt Hawkins (Postal, Think Tank, Cyber Force) and artist Colleen Doran (The Sandman, Amazing Fantastic Incredible Stan Lee, Finality).
With its first issue out today, The Clock is a four-part tale centred on the emergence of a mysterious viral cancer that triggers the disease in anyone with cancer markers, is incredibly aggressive and untreatable, and kills within months. Cancer researcher Jack is in a race against time to identify the root cause as not only will the world’s population be halved within a year, but his own family is affected.
The first issue of The Clock comes across as a sober marriage of Outbreak and The Last Ship, with a dash of OG Dan Brown. There’s globe-trotting adventure and action, as the book opens in a Nigerian refugee camp, but for the most part the story maintains its tight, grounded focus on one man and his long-time obsession with curing cancer. This relatability is enhanced by the muted, real-world colour palette of Bryan Valenza.
While necessity drives Jack, he’s also clearly burdened with guilt as his work has consistently taken him away from his loved ones for long periods. Look closer and there’s quite a bit of emotional meat on the bones of The Clock. It’s conveyed without straining, largely thanks to Doran’s expressive but clean and reality-styled art.
Writer Hawkins deserves praise too for the naturalistic manner he conveys information. Techno-thrillers can be very clunky in terms of exposition but in The Clock Issue 1, interesting facts about population growth, cancer and other medical concepts are smoothly integrated into scene-appropriate dialogue. “Heavier” explanations are confined to the text-only Science Class pages at the end of the comic.
The Science Class section is also where Hawkins talks about weaponised cancer, a term used to promote The Clock, but which doesn’t feature in Issue 1. It’s clear, though, that Jack will uncover a conspiracy in the next three comics, and Hawkins promises that research-backed clarifications will appear in Issue 3.
The only downside of The Clock is its apparent lack of diversity. At least in the first issue, the comic looks like it will be a traditional Western depiction of heroism, with privileged white male Americans saving the day. Jack and his research clearly benefit from the powerful political connections that come from having an ambassador father, although it must be said the men are aware of, and comment on, their advantages in life from pretty much the first page.
With Issue 1 setting up The Clock’s intriguing doomsday premise, it will be interesting to see how events play out over the next three books – especially with the world waking up to the scale of the impending catastrophe.
The Clock Issue 1 is out today (8 January) from Top Cow and Image. It’s available in comic shops and on various digital platforms, including comiXology, Apple Books, Google Play and the Image Comics app. Find a preview here.
Last Updated: January 8, 2020
The D
January 8, 2020 at 17:07
On a more personal note, here’s what makes me sad about all the debate raging below, and comments of the likes about how people “expect better of CH”.
My gosh guys, I do love some of you and I read your comments, but seeing this much flak thrown our way for just a single line in a single article that sits amongst the dozens and dozens that we publish every week…it honestly makes me question why I still do this. Every member here writes content because they want to, because this is where their passions have led them.
None of us are here for the fame, glory or fat stacks of cash. That’s not how this industry works, ESPECIALLY if you’re in South Africa. Every single day is a hustle to keep the lights on, draining labours that require so much from us behind the scenes that it’d boggle your mind if you saw what it takes to keep the lights on here.
There are challenges, there are obstacles and there have been so many sacrifices made for us to claim the top spot as the leading pop culture website on the continent. We’re here because we love games, comic books movies and more, and we’ve managed to carve out our identity of a cheeky scrapper without having to compromise. At the same time, we’ve also grown up over the years. We’ve changed, but we’ve always been honest and we’ve always tried to listen to our readers.
The point is, we’ve always gone in our own direction, never marching to the beat of someone else’s drum. We’ve been open to new ideas, we’ve stuck to traditional dick ‘n fart jokes and we’ve always tried t put out the best damn content possible even when we haven’t been firing on all cylinders. We’re only human, and holy heck is it draining when our comments section slaps us in the face over one post in an ocean of many.
I don;t know what point I’m making here exactly, but even my enthusiasm has its limits and there are days when I feel like packing it in and looking for greener pastures. We just want to create cool content that thrives on passion, not clickbait. I like to think at this point that our personalities shine through in our posts, and if you find yourself disagreeing with a writer then don’t click through! Or heck, just prepare yourself for a dose of their bias.
That’s all we are and have been for some time now: A ragtag gang of misfits pumping out content and having a laugh at the end of the day.
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 17:07
TL;DR?
Admiral Chief
January 9, 2020 at 08:57
I took some time to reflect on this.
So here comes MY tl;dr
You said my last comment was harsh. What is harsh, my comment, or that SOMEONE is actually saying “hey, its not ok to throw that term around”?
I’m here to read ALL content on CH, and in almost ALL articles, I will say something, even if it is just a one liner, or [mssc] just to show the writer that SOMEONE read their article, as a sign of respect and acknowledgment. Are you saying that I should just avoid one or a few of the CH staff as a blanket rule? Bias is fine, disregard for words that can be interpreted or received poorly, is not.
If one (or a few) of the CH writers continue to have disregard for something that a group of people (yes, I am not alone in this) take exception towards because the term is hurtful or irritating or unnecessary and seeing that thrown around casually with no regard to “hey, maybe I should use other words because a group of CH readers might be hurt by this”
I’ve been part of this ‘ragtag gang of misfits’ for many, many years, might even be 10 years already. I’ve had plenty of laugh with you, I’ve supported you, I’ve tried to help in any way possible, I’ve got close to SEVENTY THOUSAND comments on this site, so there is no denying my loyalty and support. I’ve got nothing but love and admiration for you and Geoff, I enjoy the heck out of Kervyn (even if he is totally wrong about the last Star Wars movie), and the other staff members bring out quality articles
I’ve got so much respect for what you guys are doing, and I know how tough the industry is, hence I always try to do what I can to support. You say that CH has “always tried to listen to our readers”. I’m asking you to LISTEN to the single point I took exception to, was bad wording of a term that a group of people do not like.
Everyone seems to miss my point. Yes, there ARE people out there that are privileged, and white, and male, and misuse that, but do not automatically assume that EVERY white male is like this, and throwing the term around loosely is irresponsible towards a group of readers that you are ostracizing
“when our comments section slaps us in the face over one post in an ocean of many”
It is not the post, and it is not a slap in the face, it is a request to be more aware of the issue I raised. And it is not the comments section, I raised it, if a percentage of the comments section also feel as I feel, and by me raising the issue and CH refrain from using that term, (or other terms), then perhaps that is good since the whole idea of “representation and inclusion” should be for ALL people, correct?
I just knew that bringing this up would unleash the CH writers coming in defense of this, but I had to raise it in the hopes that someone would take notice and take action. But it is only a hope
Looking forward to your reply
Pariah
January 9, 2020 at 09:10
For whatever little this is worth – the tone you took and your message “expect better of CH” – I have now lost all the respect I once had for you.
I have plenty more I’d be able to say but I feel like it’s a waste.
I’m really disappointed in you, Admiral.
Admiral Chief
January 9, 2020 at 09:32
So you are disappointed in me for wanting CH to use better wording and to ‘be better’, which is exactly what Darryn mentioned above when he said CH tries to listen to readers
You are missing my point, but you are free to feel whichever way to deem necessary
There is no tone, there is no anger, there is no attitude, just as mentioned, a hope that a change could happen
Social Justice is Cancer
January 9, 2020 at 10:49
It’s only a matter of time before someone will try to say that you’re a racist for saying how racist the term “white male privilege” is.
The D
January 9, 2020 at 11:57
I am reading you and I am listening. There is stuff to think about here, but honestly I don’t think this is the place to discuss such a nuanced and heated subject. So much gets lost in text, so if you’re around when I’m in Jozi next time, come find me and we’ll chat.
Battle-Maiden Aisha
January 9, 2020 at 14:02
I’d like for this sort of stuff to be aired and addressed for all to see because like @Admiral_Chief:disqus I want Critcalhit to thrive but not at the expense of white, blue, green, males, females, transexuals, or furries. Don’t just dismiss it like that. This is important.
Dresden
January 9, 2020 at 05:17
-TL;DR? Check.
-7 Paragraphs? Check.
You’re not fooling anyone @LlewellynCrossley:disqus
Raptor Rants
January 9, 2020 at 07:43
Nope that was Darryn all the way. You can tell by him being slightly more coherent than my rants 😉
Stoompot
January 9, 2020 at 15:16
No you used to go your own direction, it was called Lazygamer. Ch is trying to be a SJW haven, which explains the pink.
The D
January 9, 2020 at 15:29
Bruh what
Pink…pink is a nice colour.
The D
January 9, 2020 at 15:29
Bruh what
Pink…pink is a nice colour.
Gavin Mannion
January 10, 2020 at 10:22
Who are these people who upvote this sort of idiotic comment?
Stoompot
January 10, 2020 at 11:12
People that are sick of reading about white men being evil, patriarchy, wokeness and alleged WMP ie. the other side of the coin
Stoompot
January 9, 2020 at 15:16
No you used to go your own direction, it was called Lazygamer. Ch is trying to be a SJW haven, which explains the pink.
Raptor Rants
January 8, 2020 at 18:31
https://media.giphy.com/media/nLhdSinRtaL2E/giphy.gif
Dresden
January 8, 2020 at 19:36
You beat me to it.
Spathi
January 9, 2020 at 10:18
Who downvotes this?
Raptor Rants
January 9, 2020 at 10:49
*shrugs*
People can not like things if they want I guess?
Spathi
January 9, 2020 at 11:49
It’s an 100% objective observation of the state this comment section was in when you arrived. It’s funny, because it’s true! 😀
Hammersteyn
January 9, 2020 at 16:14
I’m helping
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:02
“The only downside of The Clock is its apparent lack of diversity. At least in the first issue, the comic looks like it will be a traditional Western depiction of heroism, with privileged white male Americans saving the day”
Ok, so you’ve seen/read one issue, and then start making assumptions. Honestly the whole article could have gone without this section, totally unnecessary. As a reviewer, you should be unbiased, and not push your personal views in. Views/comments like this belong on a personal blog, or your Twitter feed, etc. Not in a CH representative capacity
The (review) article I came for, sounded really interesting. I’m intrigued by the idea, and curious as to the plot/outcome. Instead, I’m leaving this comment with a semi bitter taste in my mouth.
I come here to CH for news/fun, not for this type content. If you feel the need to vent in such a manner, in a CH capacity, rather make a separate article instead of cramming it into a review.
I’m not asking you to defend/deny/affirm/attack/anything, just to give it some thought.
Alessandro Barbosa
January 8, 2020 at 15:26
“As a reviewer, you should be unbiased, and not push your personal views in.”
A critique on diversity matters to a lot of readers, and is just as vital to the overall review as the story, art etc. It is not “biased” to comment on diversity. Nor is a review ever inherently unbiased. As reviews are always a subjective view from the perspective of the writer, it is impossible to ask for otherwise.
Thanks for your comment regardless.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:27
I just think attacking the “white male” has become an easy way out without any repercussions. That type of comment doesn’t belong anywhere.
The rest of your point, I can agree with
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 15:35
See the issue is context. Here, it’s relevant to mention that. As others have pointed out diversity is a big deal for many people. Myself included. The tired old white male hero trope is tired and old, and with Marvel and others doing a lot to push diversity in their new stuff, it’s a bit sad to see something that appears to backtrack on the progress made.
It’s also important to be able to disagree but still have meaningful discourse though, without jumping to the extremes to defend or attack. Unfortunately this seems to be a sore point for you, but try at least understand that your point of view isn’t the only one.
And that’s sort of the point, actually.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:50
It is not a sore point, my issue with this is twofold. The WMP is a derogatory term and doesn’t belong anywhere, and the whole section seems out of place with the rest of the article
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:27
Also, I don’t really think it is relevant. If I’m writing a review on a car and go on to attack steak and kidney pies (a personal distaste of mine), it doesn’t belong, no matter if steak and kidney pies are good/bad
The D
January 8, 2020 at 15:27
Steak and kidney pies don’t represent a large portion of the people who drive cars friend.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:31
Not sure I understand your comparison here, or if you are just being silly?
The D
January 8, 2020 at 15:34
Both. Here’s the thing: This site has always been bias as heck my dude, and will always be that way. I don’t think there’s a single work here that is neutral, and if Noelle wants to raise a good point then so be it.
It’s criticism, she’s not looking to kill the book and she does make a valid point. There’s no attack-mode writing going on here, merely an observation from her side .
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:37
That’s just it, the article interested me, I thought it was well written, I liked what I saw, riiiiight up to the point with the section I mentioned. It doesn’t belong with the rest of the content of the article/review. It is out of place
The D
January 8, 2020 at 15:50
Disagree there dude! This is Noelle’s post, it was checked beforehand and it got the green light. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t voice your opinion (please do!), but complaining about what direction CH content should go towards just seems like an odd point.
Remember, we’re all kinds of posts here. We’re silly one day, thoughtful the next. I think if you see who writes what, you should at this point know what kind of content you’re in for.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:57
I’m not complaining about CH direction, I’m merely voiced an opinion on a certain section in an otherwise well written article/review.
It has happened quite a few times in the past where the WMP term was thrown around (or variants of that), and all that type of content does, is divide.
Yes, it is her opinion (and by the looks of things, of the majority of CH staff) but that type of opinion further divides the community here.
What is more important? Unity or clicks?
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 15:57
Until I got to the comments I didn’t think anything was out of place or wrong with the article. No clickbait, nothing. You started all of this debate.
And to answer, the freedom to speak openly about what she’s reviewing is more important than either of those.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:57
So my freedom to speak openly about the WMP term being thrown around casually is less important then?
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 15:57
Not at all.
But you seem to wish for her to not mention something that’s relevant to her, to the subject matter, and to the readers, simply because you don’t like it. It’s a little bit of a pot/kettle thing here. Can you not see that?
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:58
You miss the point, see my reply to Darryn above
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 15:58
I did see your reply. And I’m at a loss as to why you of all people, who usually has a level-headed mature approach to things, is arguing semantics, when it’s clear to everyone else what she was addressing and her tone.
That’s why this feels like it’s a sore point for you.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:58
No, the second reply.
Not arguing semantics, just wording of certain terms that can be hurtful
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 16:01
The hypocrisy with regard to tropes is kinda funny, you must admit. White and male – not inclusive enough.
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 16:06
Well it’s more about “white and male has been the only thing for decades, there’s so much more out there, so why stick with the old and tired? We’ve seen it all before, let’s do something that appeals to someone else for a change”.
It’s not hypocrisy, it’s just a comment on the reality of storytelling since forever ago. It’d be nice to see something new. Especially when others in the market are already doing so.
And she also does mention that in this regard the comic is at least somewhat self-aware, with the said white males acknowledging their privilege in the content itself.
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 16:08
I’m not disagreeing for the most part, just finding it funny that the media uses the White Male trope every damn chance it gets.
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 16:11
I mean, it’s not used here in that way. Not even a little. I’m curious as to why Admiral is taking it as such though. It’s weird.
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 16:13
The term White Male Privilege – it’s totally unnecessary for Noelle to bring accross her point. White and male does not automatically make you privileged; and to think and allege that, is racist. Some people are more privileged than others. Most white people have it easier than other races. Most white males have it better than other races or sexes. But using a blanket term is wrong.
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 16:16
Is it wrong when that’s exactly what’s depicted in the comic though? Because that’s exactly what is depicted in the comic. White male privilege… Did you read the whole paragraph? Because I feel like reading the whole paragraph puts any and all of this debate to rest.
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 17:07
Jis, this is getting far too intense a debate (meaning mentally) for this early in the year, but hear me out.
What you are then saying is that the act of making the hero white and male was on purpose, so that he can use his privilege? Then I’m offended (not really) and Noelle doesn’t have to be.
Or is she offended because he is white and male and they are using the trope of all white males being privileged? Then I’m still offended (not really) and thank Noelle for her service to the male sex (is this statement offensive?)(PS: I don’t care).
The writer sounds offended that the hero is once again white and male and not someone from a different race or sex. Not only that, but Noelle throws in that because he is white and male, he has automatic privilege; although luckily the writers know this and states as much in the comic. The first part hereof is fine, subjectivity and all that – the second part is racist.
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 17:07
She’s not offended. Not even a little. That’s the thing.
She’s disappointed that it’s a tired old trope being used again when there’s so much more available to the author. With everything else being great, she found it disappointed. Not offensive, not raising her heckles, just a comment on it being the same old same old.
How is using “white male privilege” in a sentence the same as “I find this whole thing offensive”? It’s not. Not in this article.
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 17:08
The gist of the argument – the term WMP is unnecessary.
Agreed, the term “offensive” wasn’t the appropriate word in my post above. She made an observation, maybe valid, which doesn’t equate to being offended.
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 17:07
Also, to quote the article directly, within the same paragraph in question:
“Jack and his research clearly benefit from the powerful political connections that come from having an ambassador father”
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 17:08
That sentence has nothing to do with being white or male.
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 20:57
Exactly, and it 100% disproves your statement: “they are using the trope of all white males being privileged”. This white male IS privileged. Not because he’s a white male, but because he has powerful political connections due to his father.
*sigh*
Spathi
January 9, 2020 at 07:43
“The only downside of The Clock is its apparent lack of diversity. At
least in the first issue, the comic looks like it will be a traditional
Western depiction of heroism, with privileged white male Americans
saving the day”
Noelle claims White Male Privilege. The sentence you quoted has nothing to do with my argument. You took it there.
The writer says if a person is white and male, he is privileged. That’s wrong. End of argument.
Maybe we interpret the same sentence in different ways.
Anyway, enough already 😀
Spathi
January 9, 2020 at 07:43
“The only downside of The Clock is its apparent lack of diversity. At
least in the first issue, the comic looks like it will be a traditional
Western depiction of heroism, with privileged white male Americans
saving the day”
Noelle claims White Male Privilege. The sentence you quoted has nothing to do with my argument. You took it there.
The writer says if a person is white and male, he is privileged. That’s wrong. End of argument.
Maybe we interpret the same sentence in different ways.
Anyway, enough already 😀
The D
January 8, 2020 at 15:57
I don’t see WMP as a slur the way you do bud. If we were in this for the clicks, then the review headline would have most likely been pure clickbait like “Top Cow’s new comic about super-cancer is almost as bad as the WMP leading the cast”.
I’ve re-read that line a couple of times, and honestly it reads more like a criticism on how we could have had a more interesting protag from a different background as opposed to something we’ve seen in thousands of other comic books.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:57
And I’m all for that, in better wording.
Instead, the terms are used too loosely.
Would the following not have brought across the same opinion without sounding like a derogatory term:
“At least in the first issue, the comic looks like it will be a traditional Western depiction of heroism where there is very little cultural diversity in the hero characters. Which is a pity considering the serious nature of the topic being tackled here: Cancer and the fight against it”
The D
January 8, 2020 at 16:01
Maybe! There’s no way of knowing from our side if what we publish is going to be loaded text (aside from the obvious stuff) and again WMP is something that we do not believe is a trigger word at all in the grand scheme of things. We’re not villifying white people here.
Different writing styles, different context and all that. I’m not here to censor writing or the comments, which is why this debate continues.
Long story short, whatever we write we do so from our personal passions and yes bias, with “clicks” always being secondary to the content we push out. As our readers, you’re free to comment on that content.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 16:03
I appreciate your reply. My long story short is that the WMP or variations of that, has in the past, caused division, arguments, alienation of a section of readers on CH (likely elsewhere too), and that is something that does not belong here in my opinion.
The D
January 8, 2020 at 16:06
Fair enough dude, I can respect that even if we disagree on it.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 16:06
Wait. You disagree on what part?
The D
January 8, 2020 at 18:31
The whole idea of WMP being a slur.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 18:31
So, rewind the clock back to a few incidents where there was a big blowout in comments section every time after the WMP issue was brought up, and subsequently a lot of people stopped commenting purely because they came for the lolz and info, and thought “no thanks, not for me anymore”
I’m going to take a break and think about this for a bit, but honestly, I expect more from CH
The D
January 8, 2020 at 18:31
Wow, that’s kind of harsh my dude.
Paraiyar
January 9, 2020 at 10:42
it’s a slur, bud. It becomes a slur because he and many others are offended by it and what it implies.
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 16:11
I think it was Gavin that stated last year that CH should aim to focus less (or only?) on the traditionally liberal view on things? Can’t recall the exact article, but it was one of Brad’s.
Where there are issues, raise them; but Noelle raising this issue just feels out of place. Not all games / comics / media have to be inclusive of every race, color and creed. It’s the creator’s creative freedom to choose as he or she sees fit. The irony of my statement is not lost however, but then at least be honest about it.
This morning CH did an article on one of the best and most popular upcoming FPS games, Escape from Tarkov. You chose to do your first (and only) article on the game on representation, or the lack thereof. This is kinda weird, don’t you think? If not, and that’s the angle CH is going for, fair enough – creators with creative freedom and all that.
The D
January 8, 2020 at 16:12
To be fair, that’s an article that caught Brad’s eye, as it deals with issues he cares more for than I do personally. Is it an interesting story? Absolutely, but it’s not something I’d write about personally as I feel other people are better equipped to talk about it.
And that’s the whole point of CH. Every writer here puts out content that interests them and that they want to talk about.
Spathi
January 8, 2020 at 16:34
That I can respect, but it feels like the focus is shifting and has been a while now (CH’s). Thing is, we like to visit places (and sites) that align with our own views, or at least don’t openly attack them (that’s just human nature).
Maybe CH isn’t that place for me or others, which would be a shame for me personally because I like you guys (most of the time). I’m not asking you guys to change, I have no right, but to bring this to your attention (as AC did) is important because it may be that you guys don’t always realize what your readers’ perception of you might be.
Admiral Chief
January 9, 2020 at 10:18
Your comment resonated a lot with me:
– ” but it feels like the focus is shifting and has been a while now”
– “at least don’t openly attack them”
– “Maybe CH isn’t that place for me or others, which would be a shame for me”
– “you guys don’t always realize what your readers’ perception of you might be”
Paraiyar
January 9, 2020 at 10:18
Maybe the writing staff at Critical Hit isn’t diverse enough. How many black guys do you have? Only one that I can count. All I see = white liberals with milquetoast white liberal views
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 15:49
It’s a comment on the content of the comic. Where is better than in the review itself?
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:50
It is a comment on the reviewers assumption of the story based on personal beliefs. Not necessarily the content of the comic
Pariah
January 8, 2020 at 15:50
O_o it’s talking about the content of the comic though, Admiral. It’s not just her personal beliefs though – it’s a major global topic. Has been for a while, actually. Many millions of people have interest in diversity and representation. She’s really just doing her job. Why are you so defensive on this?
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:57
Not defensive at all, just raised an issue. The diversity/representation discussion can be had or raised elsewhere.
I refer back to the steak and kidney reference
Social Justice is Cancer
January 9, 2020 at 11:42
You sound like an idiot.
Alessandro Barbosa
January 9, 2020 at 13:41
Such a thought-provoking reply. You’ve truly given me something to think about
Battle-Maiden Aisha
January 9, 2020 at 11:42
It’s his white privilege. He is a white male after all. 😛
Battle-Maiden Aisha
January 9, 2020 at 11:42
It’s his white privilege. He is a white male after all. 😛
Alessandro Barbosa
January 9, 2020 at 11:42
And yet not fragile enough to consider it a personal slur
Battle-Maiden Aisha
January 9, 2020 at 11:43
Nu-males tend to be oblivious about their own masculinity and lack thereof, so it doesn’t surprise me one bit.
Noelle Adams
January 8, 2020 at 15:27
Representation matters to me and a lot of other people.
Playing Devil’s Advocate, you could argue that white male American leads in a position to effect change is another way that The Clock is representative of reality.
At the same time, Hawkins’s decision as a storyteller to focus on one family during the crisis does prevent a diversity of perspectives at a purely structural level. It’s one man’s mission as opposed to a global team of scientists (which we saw in Contagion, for example). The shorter miniseries format of this book may have contributed to the decision as well, to keep things tighter and focused.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:35
And as a white male, being vilified, matters to me and a lot of other people.
As a comic/story, it is just that, a story told. Not a representation necessarily. I’m into stories being told, not propaganda/politics.
My view is just, enjoy it, or don’t read it. And perhaps if all 4 issues are done and read, and it is a case of MURICA or your WMP, then I’d say ok the story is written from that perspective, and warrants a comment/review on that.
Noelle Adams
January 8, 2020 at 15:57
White men aren’t being vilified here. Not at all. They just appear as a “seen it a thousand times before” choice for heroes. Given the comic has such a strong fresh premise, that could have carried through to its protagonists.
Admiral Chief
January 8, 2020 at 15:58
See my reply to Darryn below
My reference to white men being vilified, is the wording you used. That is all.
You have excellent writing skills, but certain areas should be handled with more restraint on wording choices
Battle-Maiden Aisha
January 9, 2020 at 11:42
Or… maybe she doesn’t like white males?
Stoompot
January 10, 2020 at 08:19
At least you have the balls to speak up. They speak freely on white male privilege, but never when the shoe is on the other foot.