I chatted with FD Signifier about Across the Spiderverse
Added 2023-06-14 00:48:26 +0000 UTCHey everyone, I know it's been quiet here on the ol' patronverse, but that's because I've somehow ended up in demand. Don't know who I swindled, or why they think I'm smart but here's a conversation I had with the ultra-talented FD Signifier about copaganda in Across the Spiderverse.
Warning, this is a spoiler-filled discussion
Comments
Some context from a comic book nerd. One thing I found interesting in terms of how Spider-man 2099 was portrayed in this movie is that his earliest issues of his comic are explicitly about social inequality. In the world of 2099 Alchemax has its own police force called the "public eye" and inequality has gotten so bad that there is a section called "downtown" which is the remains of old New York that became the foundation for the futuristic city that was built. People still live "downtown" in poverty, but are at the mercy of gangs and cannibalistic killers like the Vulture. In the comics Miguel is someone middle class who got lucky and managed to get a well paying position at Alchemax. Then as a result of getting his powers he learns about the existence of downtown and becomes a champion for the people who live there. Spider-man becomes a symbol of hope for people fighting against the influence of corporations. Later Miguel winds up head of Alchemax but it was very clear the writer was trying to go for a "can you change the power structure or does it change you?" kind of story. While I like the movie I'm a little bummed that Miguel's first ever appearance in a movie turns him into a cop. Hopefully the next movie will prompt him to reflect on his actions and he will become more like the version of Miguel in those original comics. Also, one thing I have noticed recently is that some recent comics seem to be trying to address underlying themes of copaganda in the genre. The first issue of the new avengers title opens with Carol Danvers specifically saying "The Avenger's aren't cops and we shouldn't try to be cops. We should act like fire fighters."
RedX2099
2023-06-14 04:21:08 +0000 UTC
