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Shaman's Tears #8
Published by Image Comics, November 2007
Josh Brand wants Jon Sable to help him with some government bounty hunting. This time the prey is human — super-human.
Credits: Julia Lacquement (Colorist), Mike Gold (Editor), Mike Grell (Inker), Mike Grell (Penciller), Mike Grell (Writer), Steve Haynie (Letterer)
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Comments (1)
Michael Sheyahshe (1:15 PM on Fri Nov 9, 2007)
The world needs more (RED) heroes…
Shaman’s Tears is one of the works examined in my upcoming book, “Native Americans in Comic Books: A Critical Study,” which looks at how well the pop culture medium of comic books has represented Native characters throughout the years. Mike Grell’s comic is rich in its treatment of complex Native American comic book characters and seeing it online will most certainly draw a readership of old diehards as well as new fans of Grell’s Indigenous character. Had I had access such as an online reference for every comic book I reviewed for the book, my research would have been much easier.
It’s great to see Grell’s work again as he is a master of many trades (writing, illustrating, AND inking the book?...wow), and his draftsmanship is excellently executed. Grell, among many other comic book greats (Tim Truman, John Ostrander, Jon Proudstar, Steve Englehart, Terry LaBan, Rachel Pollack, Jeff Mariotte, and David Mack to drop a few names), offered me an education (free of charge) in the creation of “comic book Indians.” I am very thankful for this look inside a process that usually remains mysterious to readers.
Grell and other author’s insights totally changed my view (as an Indigenous reader) of comic books and their treatment of Indigenous protagonists. Grell truly believes in his characters, the struggle of good vs. evil, and the idea of what a true hero should be. His book exudes passion and reveals an astonishing depth of creativity, and readers can now access the same in the digital world.
For a white guy, Mike does pretty good crafting a Native character! All teasing aside, as I mention in my book, Shaman’s Tears could only possibly get better if Grell enlists the services a real-live Native American (like me) to have a hand in the creative process. Who knows…perhaps an immense online popularity will demonstrate the need to re-introduce the character in NEW regular monthly issues? (If so, Mike, I will wait for your call. Kidding!)
Until then, good work Mike, and great to see the comic alive and well here on ComicMix. I can’t wait to see the next installment!
Sincerely,
Michael Sheyahshe (Caddo)
Author, “Native Americans in Comics”
www.nativecomicbooks.com
CIO, alterNative Media
www.alterNativeMedia.biz