Episode 102 - Bubble City Boys (Ft. Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson)
Oct 27, 2023
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Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson, co-creators of Justice Warriors graphic novel, discuss the satire of police media, social structures, and challenges to ideologies. They also touch on the struggles of managing cables, as well as personal aspects of their book and playful banter, in this entertaining episode of The Deprogram.
Justice Warriors is a satirical comic book that critiques police media, copaganda, and societal norms through the lens of a buddy cop dynamic.
The comic explores the influence of economics on class structures and social hierarchy, showcasing how economic fluctuations can lead to social unrest that the police must contend with.
The portrayal of the Libra Gang in Justice Warriors exposes the limitations and dangers of reactionary ideologies and highlights the appeal they may have to individuals seeking alternatives.
Deep dives
Overview of Justice Warriors
Justice Warriors is a satirical comic book set in a future city called Bubble City, where a domed utopia exists alongside a crime-ridden slum called the Uninhabited Zone. The story follows two cops, Swamp Cop and his partner Shit, as they navigate the complex social structures and ideological tensions within the city. The comic explores themes of class, fascism, racism, police brutality, and late-stage capitalism. It critiques police media, copaganda, and societal norms through the lens of a buddy cop dynamic. One of the central elements is the Libra Gang, a mutant gang that represents people without a clear understanding of the material world, who latch onto random ideologies to seek solutions without taking responsibility for constructing an alternative. The comic challenges the notion that stripping away illusions will reveal a universal truth and highlights the dangers of reactionary ideologies.
The Dynamics of the Economy
A significant aspect of Justice Warriors is the exploration of the dynamics of Bubble City's economy. The constantly booming and busting economy creates new forms of crime, social unrest, and economic schemes implemented by the mayor, nicknamed The Prince. The satirical depiction of an economy-driven society sheds light on the influence of economics on class structures and social hierarchy. The economic events in the story drive the plot, revealing how economic fluctuations can lead to social hysteria and unrest that the police must contend with.
The Absurdity of the Libra Gang
One of the most intriguing elements in Justice Warriors is the portrayal of the Libra Gang. This group is a zodiac-based cyberpunk gang seeking to impose a celestial-based order in Bubble City. Through their actions and ideology, the gang represents people who grasp at random ideologies, lacking a strong understanding of the material world. The comic underscores the dangers of these reactionary ideologies, showcasing a hyper-hierarchical society based on astrological signs. The portrayal exposes the absurdity of such ideologies while highlighting their potential appeal to individuals who feel something is wrong but lack a coherent alternative. The Libra Gang reveals the limitations and pitfalls of seeking truth by replacing one illusion with another.
The Importance of Criticism in Media
The podcast episode explores the lack of direct criticism of the status quo in most media and fiction. It discusses how many creators shy away from offering direct solutions or condemning the current state of affairs due to fear, commercial pressures, or a desire for escapism. The hosts argue that this avoidance of criticism is often seen as either political or unmarketable. They also highlight the need for more class-conscious and politically engaged storytelling that can challenge and satirize our world while being accessible to a wider audience.
Examining the World of Bubble City and Its Reflection of our Society
The podcast episode delves into the world of Bubble City, a fictional dystopia filled with mutants, poop cops, and popstar mayors. The hosts emphasize that the world of Bubble City is not that different from our own world, allowing for a satirical exploration of our own reality. They discuss how cop fiction and investigations provide a lens to investigate this world and its societal issues, drawing parallels with real-life cop stories. Additionally, they highlight the importance of depicting the world as it is without presenting easy solutions or utopian endings, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of our own existence.
A couple of sickos join us to talk about their phenomenal new graphic novel, Justice Warriors! The mega-satire follows the adventures of Swamp Cop and Schitt as they commit officer-involved shootings and "solve" crimes
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